AbstractObjectiveTo explore the association between in utero exposure to suboptimal gestational factors (SGF;gestational diabetes mellitus, hypertensive disorders during pregnancy, maternal smoking during pregnancy), childhood obesity, and cardiometabolic risk factors.MethodsData were obtained from the “ QUebec Adiposity and Lifestyle InvesTigation in Youth” longitudinal study (QUALITY) composed of 630 Caucasian children recruited at age 8–10 (first visit V1; n=619) and followed-up 2 years later (V2; n=557). Simple logistic regression models were used.ResultsIn the cohort, maternal smoking during pregnancy was associated with higher odds of obesity (OR1=2.00, 95% CI 1.25-3.20, OR2=2.29, 95% IC 1.26-4.16) at both visit and with high waist circumference (OR1=1.96, 95% IC 1.24-3.1) at V1. Hypertensive disorders during pregnancy were associated with higher odds of obesity (OR1=2.37, 95% CI 1.17-4.80) at visit 1. Joint exposure to SGF was associated with higher odds of high waist circumference (OR1=1.42, 95% CI 1.06-1.91) at V1, obesity (OR2= 1.63, 95% IC 1.153-2.32) at V2 and low level of HDL (OR2=1.45, 95% IC 1.04-2.03) at V2. Analysis’ stratification by sex revealed that boys were more adversely affected by exposure to combined SGF while girls were more affected by exposure to maternal smoking during pregnancy.ConclusionIn utero exposure to an independent or combined SGF is associated with adverse adipose and cardiometabolic profiles in children, with sex specificities.