Fetal programming: Mothers’ nutrition as key to babies’ future health

“Mothers know best,” so goes the cliché. When it comes to health, this saying also holds truth. In fact, mothers can influence the health of their babies even during pregnancy.

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The theory of fetal programming or prenatal programming claims that during fetal development, the mothers’ nutrition intake influences the growth of their babies’ organs. The conditions of these organs, in turn, affect the babies’ health for the rest of their lives.

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Elizabeth Somer, a registered dietitian and author of the book Nutrition for a Healthy Pregnancy, says that many pregnant women are not getting the essential vitamins and nutrients that their babies need. To supplement this inadequacy, the dietitian recommends the following diet guidelines:

1. Consumption of vitamin B12-rich products. Vitamin B12 is essential for the formation of blood cells and various proteins. It also lowers the risk for insulin resistance.
2. Munching of fruits that are good sources of vitamin C, which lowers oxidative damage to fetal tissues and risk for heart diseases.
3. Intake of vitamin D, which prevents the risk of chronic diseases, like multiple sclerosis and cancer.
4. Eating of fatty fish and algae containing DHA omega-3, an important building block of the babies’ brain.
5. Ingestion of folate-rich green vegetables or 600 to 800 micrograms of folic acid daily. Children born to mothers with high folate are less likely to suffer from emotional problems later in life, says a published study on The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

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While fetal programming remains an area of research that has to be furthered explored, it is a known fact that mothers who care for their unborn babies are more likely to be health-conscious during pregnancy. Pregnant women, however, should consult with their doctors or nutritionists before starting any diet program.


Robert Pastore is a nutrition expert who provides nutritional plans based on the unique biochemical makeup of every individual. Visit this blog to learn more about nutrition.