Your Baby's Metabolism is Being Decided Right Now | Jessie Inchauspé

Mark Hyman

Mar 25, 2026

Episode description

Pregnancy is often filled with anticipation, excitement, and a lot of questions. But biologically, it’s also a powerful window when a baby’s metabolism and long-term health begin to take shape. On this episode of The Dr. Hyman Show, I talk with biochemist and bestselling author Jessie Inchauspé about how nutrition during pregnancy can influence a baby’s development and long-term health. Her new book, 9 Months That Count Forever, takes a closer look at the science behind these connections.

Watch the full conversation on YouTube, or listen wherever you get your podcasts.

We discuss:

• Why pregnancy may be one of the most important windows for shaping lifelong health

• Why balancing blood sugar during pregnancy matters—and simple ways to reduce glucose spikes

• The nutrients that matter most during pregnancy, from choline and protein to omega-3s

• How to make healthier choices during pregnancy without added stress or confusion

This isn’t about being perfect. It’s about understanding what matters most and making small, consistent choices that support both you and your baby.

View Show Notes From This Episode

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Mindsip insights from this episode:

Reduce sugar intake to lower diabetes risk for future generations

Babies born in the UK during the WWII sugar ration had a 15% lower lifetime risk of diabetes due to their mothers' reduced sugar intake.

#diabetes

#sugar

Boost baby's IQ with DHA supplementation during pregnancy

Supplementing pregnant mothers with about 1.5 grams of DHA per day has been shown in studies to increase their baby's IQ by four points.

#DHA

#supplement

Program your baby's genes through mindful pregnancy diet

Your diet during pregnancy sends 'postcards' to your baby, epigenetically programming their genes for the world they will be born into.

#epigenetics

#nutrition

Always pair carbohydrates with protein, fat, or fiber to manage glucose spikes

Never eat carbohydrates 'naked'; always add protein, fat, or fiber (clothing) to slow down the glucose spike.

#carbohydrate

#glucose

Address choline deficiency in pregnant mothers for brain health

An estimated 90% of pregnant mothers are deficient in choline, a critical nutrient for building their baby's brain, with deficiency potentially leading to irreparable damage.

#deficiency

#nutrition

Reduce sugar intake to lower autism risk in children

Mothers with gestational diabetes have a 25% higher likelihood of having a child with autism, possibly due to inflammation from high glucose affecting the baby's brain development.

#autism

#glucose

Ensure adequate protein intake during pregnancy for future muscle health

Low protein intake during pregnancy can epigenetically program a baby to have lower muscle mass throughout their life, and muscle is the organ of longevity.

#muscle

#protein

Understand placenta's role in glucose transfer to baby

The placenta doesn't filter out harmful substances, meaning high glucose levels in the mother's blood directly translate to high glucose for the baby.