Dieting while pregnant can harm your child

New research, baboons, suggests that in the first half of pregnancy, weight loss and damage to the brain development of the baby.

Researchers found that when a pregnant baboons were modest calorie restricted diet, as shown in the following, the development of the foetal brain affected.

Scientists believe this may have implications for human pregnancy, too; Dieting while pregnant could reduce your child's IQ.

A study led by Dr. Peter Nathanielsz and Dr Thomas McDonald, , was published in the journal proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (currently available in the online mode).

Baboons were divided into two groups according to:

One group ate as much as they wanted, while at the same time during the first half of pregnancy, when the other team is fed 30% less, similar to the level of nutrition than many prospective mothers experience, especially if they have morning sickness.

"Dieting" group of the unborn baby baboons were slower and less connections formed by microscopic examination of the neurons.

The researchers pointed out two disadvantaged groups concern: teen mothers, whose growing bodies means more nutrients they need for themselves, and the older mothers, who persuade arteries, which reduce the flow of blood (and therefore nutrients) into the uterus.

Other experts have agreed that the dieting during pregnancy is a bad idea, but the risks have suggested may be so large as scientists fear. Dr. Patrick O'Brien, the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists was was quoted in the Daily Mail to say:

All human studies have suggested that moderate weight loss in the first half of pregnancy, causes problems. Our guidance is not changed-that pregnant women should eat healthy mixed diet should avoid dieting, but avoid including "eating for two".

If you are pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant:

The aim is to have a healthy weight before conceiving. (This will also add your chances of getting pregnant.)A physician about your diet. Do not try to diet during pregnancy, unless you do so because of a medical practitioner.

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