[Embryonic health and preconception care: importance for current and future generations].

Embryonic growth and development differ between pregnancies. Constitutional maternal characteristics and environmental influences affect embryonic size. Slowed embryonic growth is associated with an increased risk of gestational complications such as foetal growth restriction. A child who was small when an embryo is also at more risk of having an adverse cardiovascular risk profile at 6 years of age. The importance of embryonic health means that preconception care needs to be generally available.