Cohort studies characterized by clear temporal sequencing, rigorous control of confounding factors, and other methodological strengths, has effectively promoted scientific exploration of the effects of pregnancy exposure on children's health. The review focuses on the impacts of adverse maternal factors during pregnancy on children's physical growth and development, sorts out the scientific evidence on the longitudinal association between adverse exposures (such as endocrine and metabolic disorders, environmental pollutants, lifestyle factors, and psychological stressors) and children' s growth trajectories in existing cohort studies, explores the path of transforming high-quality research results into potential public health intervention strategies to promote the in-depth development of health protection for children and adolescents, thereby contributing to enhancing population health and the long-term goal of sustainable societal development.