How a mother’s diet can affect their baby’s health

Eating right isn’t just good for moms; it’s great for babies, too.

New research shows that a low-sugar diet can help prevent future health problems like high blood pressure and diabetes.

Your diet today can shape your baby’s tomorrow.

Pregnant moms like Erika Poole hear it all the time: a good diet can boost your baby’s health.

“I know I am doing everything that is within my willpower to be the best mom I can be by taking care of myself,” Poole said.

Now, new research is showing that what you eat during pregnancy may be even more important than once thought. Researchers found that babies who were exposed to a low-sugar diet in utero and during their first two years of life had as much as a 20% less chance of having high blood pressure and up to a 35% lower risk of developing type two diabetes as adults.

“Diabetes incidence is skyrocketing, and so is the health cost,” said Dr. Karen Elkind-Hirsch, Director of Research at Women’s Hospital, Baton Rouge.

Another recent study found moms with nutritional deficiencies at the time of conception can negatively alter a baby’s genes permanently. The good news is that making positive changes can make a difference.

“I think if we empower people, they will take care of themselves,” Elkind-Hirsch said.

If you’re pregnant, you should take a prenatal vitamin and eat about 340 extra calories per day. Focus on foods that contain folic acid, iron, calcium, choline, omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins D, B and C.

Some good choices include meats like chicken, beef and pork; fatty fish, like salmon and sardines; lots of fruits and vegetables; beans and lentils; dairy products and enriched breads and cereals. Remember, your diet could have a lasting impact on your baby for years to come.

A poor diet during pregnancy also increases the mom’s risk of having a pre-term birth, gestational diabetes, high blood pressure and delivery complications.