A recent study from Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) has revealed a significant connection between a mother’s diet during pregnancy and the behavioral health outcomes of their children. Specifically, the research found that a diet high in glycemic index foods during the third trimester may increase the risk of mental health disorders in offspring. This study further underscores the growing evidence that maternal health factors play a key role in infant brain development.
Impact of Maternal Diet on Infant Neurodevelopment
The study, published in Scientific Reports, focused on how second- and third-trimester maternal diet influences child behavioral outcomes. Researchers discovered that consuming foods that cause a rapid spike in blood sugar levels, such as high-glycemic index (GI) foods, may negatively affect infant temperament and behavior. High-GI foods include items like white bread, packaged breakfast cereals, chips, and crackers, whereas low-GI foods, like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, have a slower effect on blood sugar.
This study adds to ongoing research led by Elinor Sullivan, Ph.D., and Hanna Gustafsson, Ph.D., both professors in the OHSU School of Medicine, who are exploring how environmental factors, including diet, affect fetal brain development.
Third Trimester is a Critical Window for Maternal Nutrition
Lead author Elizabeth Wood, Ph.D., assistant professor of psychiatry at OHSU, emphasized the importance of nutrition during pregnancy, particularly in the third trimester. “Our findings suggest that specific dietary changes during pregnancy could significantly improve offspring behavioral health,” Wood said. “By focusing on improving maternal nutrition during the third trimester, we have an opportunity to support a baby’s developing brain and reduce the risk of mental health disorders.”
The study involved over 300 participants, who reported their dietary intake during pregnancy. Researchers assessed blood samples, body composition, and nutritional data, then analyzed the glycemic index of the foods consumed. Later, when the infants reached six months of age, caregivers completed questionnaires about infant behavior, while researchers conducted lab assessments to evaluate emotional regulation skills—a key indicator of future mental health.
Maternal Diet and Behavioral Health Outcomes
The study found a clear link between a higher glycemic index in maternal diets and an increased risk of mental health challenges in infants. However, this association was observed only during the third trimester, suggesting that this is a particularly sensitive period for dietary influences on fetal brain development.
Jamie Lo, M.D., MCR, an associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology at OHSU, highlighted the importance of maternal diet in the final stages of pregnancy. “While nutrition is vital throughout pregnancy, our research points to the third trimester as a critical period for optimizing maternal diet to improve long-term health outcomes for children,” Lo said.
Interventions and Resources to Promote Healthy Eating During Pregnancy
To address the need for better maternal nutrition, OHSU’s Center for Women’s Health has developed the My Pregnancy Plate model. This approach encourages balanced, varied, and moderate food choices during pregnancy. Additionally, the center offers personalized nutritional counseling with registered dietitians to help expecting mothers make informed dietary decisions.
OHSU researchers believe that interventions aimed at improving maternal nutrition during pregnancy could benefit not only mothers but also future generations. Sullivan explained, “By intervening during pregnancy, we provide valuable knowledge and tools to the mother, her child, and potentially future generations, shaping long-term health outcomes.”
Looking to the Future
The research team hopes that their findings will encourage further studies on optimal prenatal diets and improved access to healthy foods. They also aim to explore how nutritional interventions during pregnancy can positively influence the health of both mothers and their children.
“If we can support healthier eating during pregnancy, we are not just benefiting the mother but also offering long-term health benefits to their children and future generations,” Sullivan added.
Related topics: