For mums a lot rests on our shoulders when having a baby. So much of what we do before, during and after pregnancy will affect our children. Being aware of this is hugely empowering as we learn about how we can impact our children for the rest of their lives.
Take brain function as an example. Did you know that how much choline you consume throughout pregnancy will set up your child’s brain for life?
Choline is an essential nutrient that plays a significant role in early brain development. It is a precursor to the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which is responsible for brain and nervous system functions like memory, mood, muscle control & more. A clinical trial including mothers who consumed either 480 or 930 mg/day of choline during their third trimester. Seven years later, their children underwent testing to assess sustained attention span and response accuracy.
Children (age 7) whose mothers consumed 930 mg/day of choline scored better on markers of:
đŸ’¥Sustaining attention
The other essential nutrient to take throughout pregnancy that supports brain development is the group known as essential fatty acids, or EFAs. The best source are Omega 3 oils high in EPA and DHA.
You can read more about the above and other essential nutrients for your and your child’s health in my book, available now on Amazon.
