I love a good dessert on a weekly basis. Popping a treat can be extra difficult when you’re pregnant because of those darn cravings you get to deal with.
But offering some sort of restraint can be very important.
High Fats And Sugars Contribute To Mental Issues
Such things as a high fat and sugar diet when you’re pregnant has been associated with contribution to certain mental illness in children. A study was recently published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry that shows such evidence.
When you’re pregnant, everything you put in your mouth contributes to the growth of your baby. They get all of their nutrition from you, obviously. But are you letting too many treats affect their growth?
The Guardian recently published an article on the study and stated that “an unhealthy diet alters the baby’s DNA in a way that might lead to brain changes and later ADHD.”
Related: High Pregnancy Weight Gain Leads To Obesity In Children
What Does This Mean?
I’m a scientist by trade and understand exactly what this means. But for many of us, it’s not that easy to understand. Let me try to explain things a little simpler.
There are thousands of molecules that assist our DNA in order to help it function. These molecules do a variety of things with our DNA, such as:
- using the genetic code to make proteins
- protect your DNA from damage
- replicate your DNA to grow new cells in your body
- turn the use of certain DNA strands on or off
- attach to your DNA in ways that influence its function
And a major factor that causes these molecules to influence how your DNA functions is your diet. When your body breaks down your food, the presence of food molecules that we eat is directly tied to what your body does with your DNA in order to function.
Does this make sense? In a nutshell, when we eat harmful things on a more consistent basis, our bodies will react negatively and adapt our DNA to what it has to deal with. When we eat well, the proper nutrients assist our body to function optimally.
The side effects of mental issues like ADHD in our kids has been shown to be associated with a bad diet while we’re pregnant. BUT, food isn’t EVERYTHING.
The side effects of mental issues like ADHD in our kids has been shown to be associated with a bad diet while we’re pregnant.
What Else Plays A Role?
There are numerous other factors that affect our children’s behavior and mental health development. There are many things which we cannot control that plays a part. But you can control your diet.
Now, don’t be nervous about having that bowl of ice cream once in awhile, or give in to that tasty piece of cake at a birthday party. Everything in moderation is just fine.
The hard part about this new research is that there’s no definite line that can be drawn. How do you know when too much junk food is too much? We all know that sugar leads to health issues. It just makes sense that it would be transferred to your baby.
So what can you do?
How To Beat The Fat & Sugar
Rather than freaking out about that cookie you just ate, take a moment to realize that there are a number of things to do that can provide your baby with the greatest chances for strong mental health when you’re pregnant.
- focus on a high lean protein diet
- get plenty of fiber with each meal
- have colorful fruits and vegetables often
- exercise on a regular basis (start with my easy pregnancy exercises)
- regularly do things to mitigate stress during pregnancy (like learning how to meditate)
- eliminate sugary drinks like soda
- decrease the amount of carbs that you eat
Related: Recipe Tips For Increasing Protein Intake When You’re Pregnant
Hopefully, you’re already doing all of these! One thing that I do, especially when I’m baking, is I always half the sugar called for in the recipe. So if I’m making cookies and the recipe calls for 1 cup of sugar, I put in 1/3 cup to 1/2 at the most.
Another thing I do is make sure that all of my meals have some sort of high fiber food such as beans, fruits, and vegetables. I also start my morning with at least 3 eggs to keep up my protein levels. That should get you going.
So bottom line, don’t worry about this research. You now just have another reason to do the right things in taking care of yourself and preparing for your birth.
>> Discover Dr. Bradley’s Method For Natural Birth Success <<
What are you doing to take care of yourself during your pregnancy? Let me know!
Remember …
You can do hard things.
**This post may contain affiliate links. They allow me to keep tons of content here completely free because of your support. See full disclaimer for more details. Thanks!
I love it how well, detailed, but clear you’ve transferred this important message. Being in health & well-being industry as well, I knew many effects that sugar might have on our body, but now I found out more, thank you! My focus is on hormonal (im)balance, so I’ll surely follow your posts.
Great info, stay on track and good luck!
Una
Thank you so much for your kind words, Una. I’m just starting to learn about my own hormonal (im)balances. Would advice would you give to a young first time mother in consideration of her hormones? Thanks.
Hi Sarah! The information in this post is extremely useful! My daughter-in-law is pregnant now. I’ll share this post with her! Thanks a lot!
You’re welcome, Zhanua. Thanks for sharing!
This is a great thing to keep in mind. I think it is a great thing to keep in mind for everyone everyday. What you eat effects every part of your body. Everything you stick in your mouth will affect you and your baby.
Exactly. Thanks, Enid.
Hello, your post is incredibly insightful! Many pregnant women think that they can eat everything because they are pregnant and let themselves go; whereas it can be harmful for their children. Thanks for this! I’ll show it to my sister…
It’s a HUGE desire to just let things go when we’re pregnant, for sure. But ultimately easier the more we do it. Thanks for sharing!
When I was pregnant, my doctor told me to limit the sweets and carbohydrates intake because my sugar levels are bordering on diabetes. I had to cut back on sweets and instead ate high fiber foods such as brown rice and wheat bread in order to prevent giving my baby gestational diabetes. This information you’ve written needs to be shared so that more mother would know about the risks to their baby. Keep up the good work!
Hi Jairene, you’re absolutely right. There is such as thing as gestational diabetes that can happen to a mom even though she didn’t have diabetes or blood sugar issues before. And it brings problems to the baby if left unchecked. I’m glad that you were able to avoid it with your pregnancy. Feel free to share, thanks! 🙂
Interesting.
Very interesting.
Very interesting article. I believe this would be helpful to all mother-to-be. Basically it’s about avoiding foods that are too high in sugar and stick to a healthy nutritious diet? Gosh, I didn’t know ADHD could result from a bad diet. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Kenny. Our diet affects everything. I notice with myself that my own anxieties and depressive episodes are much less often and weaker when I’m eating healthier and less sugar. Give it a try yourself and see how much better you feel mentally. Have a great weekend!
one of the most beautiful post I have read. I totally agree with you and this is what I have been people about desserts. Finally a post to back me up. Keep up the good work . Well done!!
I know that sweets affect use in even more ways than this. But it certainly makes you want to put the donuts back when you’re pregnant because you’re thinking about someone else. Thanks for your comment, uwais!
Great post, lots of information! I recently found out I am pregnant, and have been doing as much research as I can. Good thing I came across this post, as I have a terrible sweet tooth! I will of course watch what I eat and be careful, but reminding myself of this post will make me think twice before I eat more sweets than I should. I like your site too, lots of useful information that I will be checking out!
Hi Summerly! Glad to have been of help. If you’d like to participate, I’m launching a free beta version of my birthing course here in the next few weeks. Just visit mynaturalbabybirth.com/course and leave your email.
I have a sweet tooth too. 🙂
Very good article! It only makes perfect sense, you are what you eat. In addition, your baby will receive what you are eating while pregnant. Not only do pregnant women need to cut down the sugar and fat, but also all people. Myself included!
I think that everyone could do better at eating healthier. Thanks Xdeem. 🙂
Wow I did not know these things at all and I dont have children yet so this was great to see!
Thank you so much!
Be blessed!
You’re welcome, Dirk!
Wow! All this is so interesting and vital to understand.
“Such things as a high fat and sugar diet when you’re pregnant has been associated with contribution to certain mental illness in children.” - Thanks for opening up my eyes to something I never knew!
Your display of the site looks incredibly professional and neat so well done =)
Glad to be helpful, Lawrence. Thanks!