Pregnancy is a time wherein the mother is not just feeding herself but her baby as well. It is really important that the mother see to it that what she is putting into her mouth gives not just herself but the baby inside her optimum nutrition. Although intelligence can really be attributed to the genes that the baby has, some research associate certain foods that contribute to a baby’s intellect when he or she grows up.

Choline rich foods aid fetal cell growth, and mental development. Good sources of these are milk and other dairy products, cauliflower and broccoli, green leafy vegetables, liver and other vitamin B enriched foods. Studies suggest that mothers who have poor intake of choline rich foods when pregnant have high risk of having babies who have poor memory retention.

Foods which are good sources of omega 3 aid in proper fetal brain development. These essential oils aid in proper functioning of the baby’s mental development. Sardines, tuna, salmon, and other fish products are good sources of this brain booster. Although there are synthetic sources of omega 3 available, pregnant mothers should seek medical advice before taking them. Natural sources like those found in fishes are the best sources a pregnant woman can get.

Folic acid is an essential nutrient that helps in the baby’s brain development, cellular development and spinal cord maturity. Foods like green leafy vegetables, dark yellow fruits, liver, wheat bread, peas, and kidney beans are good sources. Inadequate intake of folic acid during pregnancy is associated with neural tube defects and abnormalities.

Liver, lean meat, poultry products, green leafy vegetables, and fish offer ample sources of iron. Iron is needed to have proper circulation of blood in the mother’s body, especially in the brain. Iron is needed to proper circulation of oxygenated blood. That is why pregnant woman are required to take iron supplements in order to combat anemia and for fetal brain development as well.

Eating healthy food is necessary for a pregnant mother to do. Although some foods are said to contribute to the baby’s intelligence, what should be first taken in to consideration is the nutrients that the baby is getting. Mothers should always ensure that they are eating the right kinds of food in right amount. After all healthy baby’s also meaning that the mother is healthy as well. A balanced diet in pregnancy is not just to ensure intelligence, but also to ensure the baby’s holistic development too.

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