Though it’s not widely known, morning sickness is related to a women’s diet. Cornell researchers first did a study about this back several years ago, and a newer study also confirms their findings. The essence of these studies is that women tend to reject high-pathogen foods, like meat, early in pregnancy. Here is a quote by one of the researchers:
"While there may be no particular harm in eating, say, meat, now that we have refrigeration and best before dates, our bodies may be pre-programmed by evolution to avoid these particular foodstuffs in the first trimester."
I have also heard some anecdotal stories from women saying the same thing. One said she that while pregnant, she couldn’t even touch meat without feeling sick.
If a woman wants to avoid morning sickness, it’s probably a wise idea to forgo or limit meat for the first trimester. Further, the studies mention that foods like sugar, alcohol, caffeine, and even some vegetables increase morning sickness and should be limited. In short, if a woman listens to her body, both her and the baby will benefit.
So what then are pregnant women supposed to eat in the first trimester? Maybe just easy to digest animal based protein plus fat?
I’m not 100% sure. It says that women have bad reactions to meat and oils, so that really leaves only plant food from an evolutionary perspective.
It also said cereals were the food group least likely to produce adverse reactions.
Later in the pregnancy, quality fats like omega-3 are very important.