Your Baby’s Mental Health Is Linked To What You Eat During Late Pregnancy

The pregnancy progresses through 3 distinct stages, or trimesters as we call them. Each trimester has its own significance and marks the development of various vital organs. In the final trimester of pregnancy, the baby's brain goes through significant growth and development. A recent study has shown that the mother’s diet during this period plays a crucial role in influencing the baby’s neurodevelopment and could even be associated with a higher incidence of certain mental health disorders. Read more

How Maternal Diet Impacts Infant Metal Health

The study by OHSU’s (Oregon Health & Science University) Centre For Mental Health Innovation involved the assessment of the behavioural outcomes of children based on what their mothers ate during the second and third trimesters of the pregnancy. The reports clearly showed that infants of mothers, who consumed foods with higher glycemic index during pregnancy showed a notable shift in the temperament and behavioral trajectories.

The lead author Elizabeth Wood, Ph.D., assistant professor of psychiatry in the OHSU School of Medicine has shared “These findings highlight opportunities to enhance nutrition during pregnancy and improve offspring outcomes by providing specific dietary targets and timepoints that can make a difference in infant behavioral health.” 

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What Is a Glycemic Index?

The glycemic index is a scale that helps to rank various carbohydrate-rich foods based on their capacity to raise the blood sugar levels of the person who consumes them. Any food with a glycemic index of more than 70 comes under the category. Sugar has the highest glycemic index of 100. Other food items with higher glycemic index include white rice, watermelon, breakfast cereals, soft drinks, pineapple, and potatoes. 

Key Findings Of The Study

The researchers analyzed the diets of expecting women during the last two trimesters and recorded their glycemic index, insulin resistance, and body fat. Emotional responses of their babies were recorded 6 months following the birth and it was found that,

• Higher intake of foods with high glycemic index during the third trimester was linked to increased levels of sadness in the infant.

• Higher insulin resistance in the second trimester of pregnancy was linked with increased levels of fear in the infant.

• Maternal body fat in later pregnancy had nothing to do with the temperament of the baby. 

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