A Brock University-led study reveals that a healthy diet and regular exercise during pregnancy benefit children’s emotional regulation years later. Toddlers of mothers in a prenatal nutrition and fitness program showed better self-control, longer attention spans, and fewer behavioral issues. The findings highlight how optimizing prenatal care can shape children’s mental health and development positively.
(Image Source: Brock University)
Healthy Moms, Happy Toddlers: Every parent-to-be dreams of giving their child the healthiest start in life. Now, groundbreaking research from Brock University reveals that the benefits of good prenatal habits extend far beyond birth—reaching into early childhood to influence emotional health and development.
The study, led by Brock Assistant Professor of Health Sciences Dr. John Krzeczkowski in collaboration with McMaster University researchers, shows that toddlers whose mothers followed a nutritious diet and exercise regimen during pregnancy had more vital emotional regulation skills compared to those whose mothers received standard prenatal care. These findings, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, highlight the profound, long-term impact of prenatal care on children’s mental health.
“The fact that we saw emotion regulation benefits in children in the intervention group is exciting,” says Dr. Krzeczkowski. “It underscores the potential of optimizing prenatal diet and exercise to reduce risks for mental health challenges later in life.”
The study involved 50 pregnant women between 12 and 17 weeks of gestation and was divided into two groups. Half of the women participated in a diet-and-exercise program that included personalized nutrition counseling and a high-protein diet featuring foods like low-fat Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, and milk. They also engaged in a structured walking program three to four times a week, gradually building up to 40-minute sessions.
The second group of women followed standard prenatal care guidelines with no additional interventions.
Nearly two years after birth, the research team assessed the toddlers’ ability to regulate their emotions and behavior using creative tasks designed to measure self-control, attention span, and impulsivity.
Imagine a room filled with curious toddlers, vibrant toys, and patient researchers. One test had toddlers sit before an enticing toy while being instructed to keep their hands on the table until a bell rang. As the time between bell rings lengthened, researchers observed how well the toddlers could delay gratification—a critical component of self-control.
Another activity focused on attentional control. Children were given a toy and observed as they played. Researchers recorded how long each child stayed concentrated before moving on, repeating the process to gauge attention span and persistence.
Parents also contributed insights, completing questionnaires about their children’s behavior, emotional regulation, and executive functioning. These tools painted a detailed picture of how the toddlers managed emotions, adapted to changes, and controlled impulses.
The results were striking. Toddlers whose mothers participated in the diet-and-exercise program displayed:
“These findings are a game-changer,” says Dr. Krzeczkowski. “They suggest that what happens during pregnancy doesn’t stay in pregnancy—it can shape a child’s emotional and cognitive development well into their toddler years.”
One unique aspect of the study was its focus on whole foods rather than supplements or meal replacements. By providing participants with natural, nutritious foods, researchers explored how these interventions could be scaled to address food equity among underserved populations.
“Providing food to participants gives us clues into how future programs can be made accessible and equitable,” says Dr. Krzeczkowski. “The ultimate goal is to support the health of both pregnant people and their children.”
However, the researchers acknowledge the limitations of the current study. Most participants were middle-class women of European descent, a factor they plan to address in future research. Expanding the program to include diverse socio-economic and ethnic groups is a critical next step.
The toddler years are a critical window for brain development, but they’re not the only opportunity to shape a child’s future. While a healthy prenatal start provides undeniable benefits, young brains remain “plastic and changeable,” says Dr. Krzeczkowski. This means children can continue to grow and develop emotionally with the proper support, such as nutritious diets and engaging in brain-boosting activities.
For parents, these findings emphasize the importance of prenatal care that goes beyond basic guidelines. Eating well and staying active during pregnancy isn’t just about avoiding complications—it’s about giving your child tools to thrive emotionally and cognitively.
Dr. Krzeczkowski and his team are now working to expand their research and bring these findings to a larger audience. “The fact that we saw benefits in toddlers motivates us to broaden these programs to diverse populations,” he says. Engaging expectant mothers from various backgrounds will ensure the interventions are both inclusive and impactful.
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For now, this research offers a hopeful message: The choices parents make during pregnancy can ripple through time, fostering resilience and emotional well-being in their children. It’s a reminder that a healthy start is one of the greatest gifts we can give the next generation.
In the words of Dr. Krzeczkowski, “It’s never too early to invest in your child’s future-starting with what’s on your plate and how you move.” Keep reading at Education Post News for more global updates.
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