Chapter 12—Diet During Pregnancy
Prenatal Influences
333. The effect of prenatal influences is by many parents looked
upon as a matter of little moment; but Heaven does not so regard it.
The message sent by an angel of God, and twice given in the most
solemn manner, shows it to be deserving of our most careful thought.
In the words spoken to the Hebrew mother, God speaks to all
mothers in every age. “Let her beware,” the angel said; “all that I
commanded her, let her observe.” The well-being of the child will
be affected by the habits of the mother. Her appetites and passions
are to be controlled by principle. There is something for her to shun,
something for her to work against, if she fulfills God’s purpose for
her in giving her a child. If before the birth of her child she is self-
indulgent, if she is selfish, impatient, and exacting, these traits will
be reflected in the disposition of the child. Thus many children have
received as a birthright almost unconquerable tendencies to evil.
But if the mother unswervingly adheres to right principles, if she
is temperate and self-denying, if she is kind, gentle, and unselfish,
she may give her child these same precious traits of character. Very
explicit was the command prohibiting the use of wine by the mother.
Every drop of strong drink taken by her to gratify appetite endangers
the physical, mental, and moral health of her child, and is a direct sin
against her Creator.
Many advisers urge that every wish of the mother should be grati-
fied; that if she desires any article of food, however harmful, she should
freely indulge her appetite. Such advice is false and mischievous. The
mother’s physical needs should in no case be neglected. Two lives
are depending upon her, and her wishes should be tenderly regarded,
her needs generously supplied. But at this time above all others she
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should avoid, in diet and in every other line, whatever would lessen
physical or mental strength. By the command of God Himself she is
placed under the most solemn obligation to exercise self-control.—
The
Ministry of Healing, 372, 373, 1905
167