Poor pregnancy diet 'affects baby's brain development'

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Poor pregnancy diet 'affects baby's brain development'

Wednesday, 19th January 2011

International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics

Women who have a poor diet during their pregnancy are likely to affect the brain

development of their unborn child, according to a new study.

Scientists from the US studied baboons, finding the food intake of a pregnant

female had an impact on their brain development and intelligence of their

offspring.

Mothers-to-be who do not consume enough during the first half of their gestation

can affect the formation of cell-to-cell connections, cell division and some

growth factors in their foetuses, the study by researchers from the University

of Texas revealed.

The study " supports the view that poor diets in pregnancy can alter development

of foetal organs, in this case the brain, in ways that will have lifetime

effects on offspring, potentially lowering IQ and predisposing to behavioural

problems, " said study co-author Dr Mc.

The UK Food Standards Agency recommends that women ensure their diet contains

all the nutrients and energy they need to boost their baby's growth in the womb.