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What a mother eats during pregnancy may influence her child’s food preferences years later, according to a new study published in Developmental Psychobiology.

Researchers found that children exposed to certain vegetable flavours while in the womb reacted more positively to those same foods even at the age of three.

Babies may recognise flavours before birth

Scientists from universities in the United Kingdom, France, and the Netherlands studied pregnant women who consumed capsules containing either kale or carrot powder during late pregnancy.

The researchers later observed how the children reacted to the smells of those vegetables at around three years of age.

Children exposed to carrot flavours reportedly showed more positive reactions to carrot smells later, while those exposed to kale displayed fewer negative reactions to kale compared to other children.

Some children even smiled when exposed to the vegetable scent they had experienced before birth.

How flavour exposure happens during pregnancy

Researchers explained that flavour compounds from foods eaten during pregnancy can pass into the amniotic fluid surrounding the baby.

Babies regularly swallow and inhale this fluid inside the womb, allowing them to become familiar with different tastes and smells before birth.

Scientists believe repeated exposure may help children become more accepting of certain foods later in life.

Study may help parents encourage healthy eating

Experts say the findings could help explain why some children are more open to vegetables than others.

The study suggests that consuming a wide variety of healthy foods during pregnancy may support healthier eating habits during childhood.

However, researchers stressed that food preferences are also shaped by genetics, family eating habits, environment, and childhood exposure to foods.

Doctors continue to recommend a balanced pregnancy diet including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, proteins, healthy fats, and adequate hydration.#Pregnancy #ChildHealth #HealthyEating #Parenting #MaternalHealth #newskarnataka