While mothers understand that maintaining a healthy diet is important while pregnant, they should be sure to not get too carried away in terms of how much food they're taking in.

A new study from the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio has suggested that a mother who reduces her diet early in her pregnancy could ultimately stunt the fetus' brain development, potentially leading to an overall lower IQ.

Researchers examined two groups of baboons that were expecting and noted their diets in comparison to how their children turned out. One group was allowed to eat whatever they wanted during their pregnancy, while the other group was fed 30 percent less.

"This study is a further demonstration of the importance of good maternal health and diet," senior author Dr. Thomas McDonald said. "It supports the view that poor diets in pregnancy can alter development of fetal organs, in this case the brain, in ways that will have lifetime effects on offspring, potentially lowering IQ and predisposing to behavioral problems."

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