As the obesity rate among children continues to climb, there’s a strong need to find solutions to avoid potentially serious health problems as overweight children mature and become adults. When it comes to prevention, the best place to start may be during fetal development. According to a new study, eating high glycemic carbs (high GI carbs) during pregnancy may increase the risk of delivering a newborn with a high birth weight.

In this study which was published in the International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, sheep were given propylene glycol during pregnancy or plain water in addition to their regular diet. Propylene glycol was given because it stimulates rapid secretion of insulin similar to a meal of high GI carbs. The results? The offspring born to mothers given the propylene glycol had a higher birth weight and higher blood glucose levels than those given plain water. They also increased their body weight more quickly after birth. The researchers hope this is a good simulation of what happens when human mothers consume a diet of high GI carbohydrates during pregnancy since sheep pregnancies are very similar to human pregnancies.

Although this study was done on sheep as opposed to humans, it’s one of many studies showing that the tendency towards certain health problems can be established in the womb and are often affected by the mother’s lifestyle and diet. There’s little doubt that maternal diet and exposure to substances such as alcohol and cigarette smoke can affect the developing child, sometimes long term. It’s not surprising that high GI carbs would increase the risk of a high birth weight baby. Women who have gestational diabetes where blood sugars are higher than normal also give birth to heavy babies.

How can you use this information for your own pregnancy? High GI carbs are usually found in processed foods and those made of white flour. Potatoes, white rice, and desserts sweetened with sugar are also high GI carbohydrates. The key is to limit processed foods and add more fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to your diet in lieu of white bread and potatoes. During pregnancy, it’s not uncommon to have food cravings, often for high carb foods. By having lower glycemic fruits available such as cherries or an apple, you can quench a sugar craving without consuming high GI carbohydrates.

The bottom line? If this study holds true, avoiding high GI carbohydrates during pregnancy may not only be healthy for you but for your baby as well.