The purpose of the study was to make a systematic analysis of the contemporary literature data on the problem of fetal programming for delayed pathological processes. The review included data from literature sources published within the last 10 years.

The essence, the main points, the basic principles, the pathophysiological basis, the realization mechanisms, the practical significance and prospects of the theory of fetal programming development are described in the article. The necessity of wide introduction of a fetal programming research programme into the practical health care system and plans for training specialized professionals are substantiated.