Are kids born smart?

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Every parent wants a smart child but is it possible for a mother to increase her child's intelligence simply by eating well during pregnancy?

Author Jeannette Bolvary's first pregnancy resulted in a miscarriage. She blamed age and her diet.

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"Every time you put food into your mouth you alter the hormonal balance in your body," she claimed.

Less than a year later after a complete nutritional overhaul, Jeannette successfully conceived and gave birth to Ethan and two years later year, daughter Kelcey.

Not only were they healthy, she claims walking and talking earlier than the average.

She cut out toxic foods and products from her diet and lifestyle, which she found could potentially disrupt her body's hormonal imbalance and harm her baby.

"Fruit and vegetables will help you repair DNA, ryes and wholegrain also helps repair DNA."

Monash Medical Centre's Associate Professor Beverley Vollenhoven said there is little evidence to prove that certain foods are linked with a baby's brain development.

However one toxin pregnant women should avoid is cigarette smoke.

"We do know women who smoke or are associated with partners who smoke may take longer to get pregnant," Associate Professor Vollenhoven said.

"They are more likely to have serious detrimental effects in pregnancy such as they can give birth to babies who are small, there can be issues with babies IQ."

She said a well balanced diet with exercise is essential.

Food checklist for pregnant women
Leafy Green vegetables
Fish like Bream, Snapper, Salmon, Whiting
Avoid Tuna
Avoid Junk Food
Avoid soft cheese

Associate Professor Vollenhoven said the important food to increase during pregnancy are food that increase folic acid.

"Fish is also good to eat but deep sea fish should be avoided in large amounts, like tuna, because there is an increase in mercury," she said.

"An avoidance of junk food is very important."

Book info

Jeanette has written a book based on her personal experience. The book is titled Born Smart: Unlock the Potential in Your Baby's Genes.

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