High-Fat Diet During Pregnancy Increases Risk of Stillbirth

Average American daily fat intake is 34% of daily calories.  Research has found that feeding a high-fat diet (32% of calories) to both lean and obese monkeys decreased uterine blood flow 38-56% and increased placental inflammatory cytokines, compared to a low-fat diet (14% fat). These changes occurred in both the normal weight and obese animals.  Obesity and insulinemia (pre-diabetics) further decreased placental blood flow to the fetus and resulted in placental infarctions and stillbirths.

PositiveTip:  Eating a low-fat diet with a good variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and nuts can significantly improve maternal health.