The midwife, the coincidence, and the hypothesis

摘要

Development of the fetal origins hypothesis depended on linking records of births in the early 20th century with health in later life Meticulous birth records were maintained throughout Hertfordshire from 1911 onwards and have been preserved These records are the legacy of a dedicated and visionary midwife, Ethel Margaret Burnside A fortunate coincidence enabled researchers to access the records The willingness of Hertfordshire people to cooperate in research has helped show the importance of fetal and infant nutrition for future health.