The Barker Hypothesis suggests that the environment a fetus is exposed to during pregnancy can significantly influence its health later in life. This theory, proposed by British epidemiologist David Barker, emphasizes that factors such as maternal nutrition, stress, and exposure to toxins can affect the development of organs and systems in the fetus, potentially leading to chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease in adulthood. According to the hypothesis, poor conditions during pregnancy can lead to adaptations in the fetus that may be beneficial in the short term but detrimental in the long term. This concept highlights the importance of prenatal care and maternal health, as early life experiences can have lasting effects on an individual's overall well-being.