High Sugar Diet During Pregnancy Affects Unborn Female Fetuses More Than Male Fetuses

A new research at the University of Auckland, New Zealand has revealed that a pregnant mom's cravings for sweet food during pregnancy seems to affect an unborn female fetus more than it would affect a male fetus. Eating too much sugar during pregnancy can harm the nutrients that reach the unborn female fetuses. Tests on other mammals also showed that sugar intake had different effects on their unborn male and female children.

During the study, researchers gave female fetuses of mice the equivalent of 26 teaspoons of fructose solution per day. Fructose is a natural sugar found in honey, fruits and some vegetables.  It was found that those with a high sugary diet had smaller placentas than those on a low sugar diet.

Lead author of the study, Dr. Mark Vickers said, "The findings highlighted the effects of a 'marked increase' in sugar consumption by pregnant women. There has been a marked increase in the consumption of fructose-sweetened beverages and foods, particularly among women of reproductive age."