The health of the mother has a profound effect on the health of her children. This effect is most noticeable during pregnancy but persists throughout the child’s life. I concentrate here on the impact of poverty and low income on the relationship between maternal health in pregnancy and during the early years of her child’s life and child health. Poverty in childhood exerts its effect throughout the life course and can be transmitted across generations. Inter- generational transmission occurs through maternal health and health-related behaviour before and during pregnancy. Low birthweight of the mother herself, influenced by the socio-economic status of.
