A research by the Oregon Health & Science University's National Primate Research Center has proved that a high-fat diet during pregnancy increases the risk of stillbirth and serious birth defects. These findings were irrespective of whether the pregnant woman was obese or slender. During the animal study scientists fed monkeys a diet rich in fat. It was seen that the blood flow from the mother to the placenta was lowered in 38-56% pregnancies. There was also a rise in placental inflammation which is also associated with birth defects. This study should serve as a warning for women. The findings have been published in the June issue of the medical journal Endocrinology.
