Nine Months That Count Forever: How your pregnancy diet shapes your baby's future

by Jessie Inchauspé

Most pregnant women are ‘Don’t worry – eat whatever you normally eat. Your baby will get what they need from you.’ But science tells a different your diet during pregnancy can shape your baby’s brain, body and health for life. And somehow, no one has told you the rules. Until now.

When biochemist Jessie Inchauspé became pregnant, she sifted through hundreds of studies and uncovered striking choline, DHA, protein and glucose are four key nutrients that can influence a baby’s development in the womb; yet most women don’t get nearly enough of the first three – and too much of the fourth. And the effects can last a lifetime.

In 9 Months That Count Forever, Jessie reveals science-based hacks to optimise these four nutrients and help give your baby a stronger foundation for life.

These principles
- support your baby’s brain development, cognitive growth and emotional resilience
- help lower their risk of health challenges later in life
- influence your baby’s body composition, organ function and long-term metabolism

Complete with guidance on supplements, nausea, labour and breastfeeding, as well as meal plans and recipes, 9 Months That Count Forever also shares Jessie’s deeply honest account of her own pregnancy journey, offering support and reassurance through these crucial months.

This landmark book reveals the extraordinary power mothers hold during pregnancy – and is an essential companion for every parent-to-be.

'This book cuts through confusion with science and heart. Clear, evidence-based and empowering, it’s an essential guide for anyone who wants to understand how food supports life from the very beginning.'
Mark Hyman, MD, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Young Forever and What the Heck Should I Eat

Genres: Parenting, Health, Nonfiction, Family, Education

359 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 17, 2026

About the author

I’m a French biochemist, author, and product developer. My passion is turning cutting-edge science into easy tips to empower people to feel amazing.
I’m the founder of GlucoseGoddess and the author of Glucose Revolution, a #1 international bestseller translated into 40 languages.
You may have seen my work on Good Morning America, Vogue, and in lots of podcasts. You can find recent press here.

Reviews

[Mai H. · Rating 4 out of 5]

With all the health misinformation out there on social media (I'm looking at white influencers with no degrees crying about seed oils), it's truly a wonderful find when an actual scientist is writing about women's health. Jessie is a French biochemist well-known for her work in glucose, which I'm now interested in learning about. She takes this background and applies it to her pregnancy diet, which she shares with us here.

You can't just "eat what you want" while you're pregnant. That's not good for you. It's not good for the baby. There are levels of things you need, and they're probably higher than you're aware. The amount of protein we should be consuming is high. Add to that your prenatal supplements. Most of us are aware of folic acid and DHA. Did you know you also need choline? Has anyone ever talked to you about choline?

As her background is in glucose, she talks about a lot. Glucose spikes occur from various things. It's ridiculous to think you can ignore all sugar cravings, but the thing is to be smart about them. If you have a sweet treat, eat it after your meal rich in nutrients. The spike will be lower.

I'm not pregnant, but I learned a lot, and I'll try to incorporate a lot of this into my life now. A lot of the nutrition information deals with things I hadn't really thought about before, but make sense. I'm not big on breakfast, but a savory breakfast can often fill you up for hours, and I really shouldn't be drinking coffee on an empty stomach. Have I started this? No.

The caffeine thing I waver on, because it's going to be so hard to give up, but Jessie, who is French, repeats that no amount of alcohol is safe when pregnant. That "one glass of wine" nonsense is just that, nonsense.

📱 Thank you to NetGalley and S&S/Simon Element

[Rose Owen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is MUST READ for every person who wants to get pregnant, is pregnant, has recently had a baby, or loves and supports someone through pregnancy! Jessie provides science and information on how a mother's diet during pregnancy affects her child for the rest of their life. What I learned was eye-opening, and quite honestly, alarming as I have had 6 babies and was never aware of this information. I will absolutely be telling everyone I know about this book. Thank you Jessie for the work you do!

[Abby Beckwith · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.9🌟 It’s packed with practical, applicable information for pregnancy, prenatal prep, and breastfeeding. I’m planning to implement several of her recommendations especially around blood sugar regulation, choline intake, omega-3s, and exercise.

Research-backed, almost like a textbook, but still has personality and includes some of her own experiences, which makes it more engaging.

[Courtney · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm a big fan of Inchauspe's work to bring science to a practical and tangible level, but this book is very loaded emotionally. Jessie seeks to bring attention to nutritional deficits during pregnancy (and breastfeeding following) but can often come across catastrophically and laying the mom guilt on thick. I recognize she is by no means trying to do this, but access to these should-be-basic nutrients can be really tricky. I would hesitate giving this book to any mother (myself included!!) without lots of side-by-side support and realistic expectations. The information was helpful, but the weight of it all (any narrow focus on animal studies vs people studies since people studies are so RARE when it comes to pregnancy and breastfeeding for obvious ethical reasons) can feel like a bit much.

[Magda - magrabelka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Świetna!! 🙌

[Ana Martínez Bautista · Rating 3 out of 5]

Aunque me ha parecido interesante porque no tenía ni idea de la mayoría de cosas que cuenta, y a pesar de que al comienzo del libro te dice que no hay que hacer todo perfecto, se encarga de resaltar continuamente cómo las madres tenemos la capacidad, el poder (¡la responsabilidad!) de influir en la salud de nuestros hijos. Me ha resultado agobiante a ratos porque los mínimos que plantea me parecen difíciles de alcanzar en el día a día, y al final me encuentro con el problema de siempre: una carga más (tanto mental como física) para las madres.

[Mary Lennox · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thorough but easy to understand examination on how a baby comes to be, from conception to birth, and how nutrition plays a big part not only during pregnancy, but for the baby’s whole life.

I’ve delved into nutrition and female health for the past few years, so not much was new to me. Still, it’s always good to repeat the information, in order to make it stick. This book can feel quite repetitive for this reason, but it’s necessary. Especially today, when so few women seem to know about these things and so many people lead unhealthy lives.

A bit disappointed in the recipe section, I thought there would be more - but ones that are listed seem very delicious.

[Cirsten Maes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read for everyone that is pregnant

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not pregnant haha but my mom told me to read this book, and I will definitely be referencing back to it when I am! Lots of good info and I love how she shares the science and puts together meal ideas for you. I would definitely recommend to anyone who is pregnant or will have kids in the future!

[Ruby R-T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life changing facts for me and my baby. Will recommend this to all mums to be!

[Savannah Lontz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very informative book with scientifically backed nutrition advice that is accessible to any person who is pregnant or wanting to become pregnant. I feel empowered for future pregnancies and I think you can tell how passionate the author is about the content of this book. I recommend to anyone who is currently pregnant or wishes to become pregnant.

[Athena Hrynkiewicz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned more from this book about the human body than I did in any science or health class. This book should be a required read by all women and partners.

[Chloe Garry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an amazing book about pregnancy nutrition, it is honestly life-changing. I loved that compared to some other books I have read it focused on the most important nutrients for pregnancy without overwhelming with information. The science is clear and direct and I would highly recommend it to anyone planning to be pregnant.

[Mariella · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like Jessie Inchauspe. She's got a gift for distilling rigorous science into actionable take homes. Before she announced her book, I wondered how pregnancy could be exempt from the nutrition conversation for so long. So I couldn't wait for the publication date. It didn't disappoint.

Jessie's approach is compassionate and non judgemental. Super important when every pregnant women is trying to do their best.. navigating cravings and nausea a lot of the time.

I think the biggest take home was the following analogy. That pregnant women are not ovens - passive containers of a bun - set the temperature and in 9 months time a baby is born. More accurately, the relationship between woman and baby is like soil and a seed. The seed contains crucial genetic information, but both the soil and the seed interact continuously, and for the healthiest plant to be grown, the soil needs to be rich, diverse and fertile. If it's not, the seed will have to make do with less; with the latest science suggesting that this has deliterious health impacts in the baby that is born and the adult they become. Impacts on cognition, the risk of mental health, diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease were talked about the most.

This sounds like a book of bad news but it is the opposite. Jessie's evidence based approach to growing a healthy baby is motivational and compassionate. It makes for a super empowering read.

[Kinsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a well-written book, but I can't say that I necessarily enjoyed it. It increased my awareness around nutrition and diet during pregnancy, but I would say it also greatly increased my stress. Which I'm not a fan of. The author did try hard to provide comfort and understanding for those that hadn't been conscious of their diet during past pregnancies and reminded readers that most babies turn out just fine no matter what you eat. And yet still I'm really worried now every time I eat sugar or something sweet. I think the science behind epigenetics is really fascinating and makes a lot of sense in the creation of a human being.

"During pregnancy, something remarkable happens. You influence which of your baby's genes are expressed and which remain silent. This process called epigenetics works through chemical switches that turn genes on or off. Scientists call this fetal programming."

[Insu · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/2026

5 stars, was making notes the whole time, found out a possible reason for my eczema, loved it.

I had pre-ordered the audiobook in December and forgotten all about it, so a few months later when I got an email announcing that this audiobook is ready for me to consume AT THE EXACT WEEK I was testing out a CGM for the first time (!!), it felt like the best kind of coincidence and made the reading experience so interesting.

I'm not pregnant and I've not read the Glucose Revolution, so perhaps I'm not the typical reader of this book, but for anyone else in my boat I can confirm that you don't need to read the other one first as everything was explained very well within this one.

I'd also say that it covered a lot for non-pregnant people as well, as it often compared the amounts to before pregnancy AND also included information regarding right after pregnancy, so definitely more than just the 9 months on the cover.

[Fernanda Romandia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book! Incredibly easy to read. Since it is a science backed book, I was worried it would be a difficult read and reference difficult topics. I loved how it is designed to be understood by a regular person like me. So much useful and important information is mentioned. I will never understand why this isn’t more common knowledge and why doctors don’t even slightly mention any of this. I am so grateful I discovered this book. And although I started it on my second trimester, it still gave me a strong foundation on so many important things to know for my third trimester, giving birth and postpartum. I also want to mention that this is a great read even if your just preparing for pregnancy or already breastfeeding.
Thank you Jessie Inchauspè for enlightening so many women with your beautiful book💖

[Ariel · Rating 5 out of 5]

NO I’m not pregnant but I love learning about maternal health, and this book also has small tidbits relating to breastfeeding. I thoroughly enjoyed learning the science behind specific diets necessary during pregnancy. It was all very informative and I wanted to keep learning more. I wish the last little bit was not just a thrown together hodgepodge of random things that were not the author’s areas of expertise. Just seemed really unnecessary and much more of a subjective approach than the rest of the book. Overall, I would definitely recommend this!

[Luisa Restrepo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Es un libro interesante si te gusta conocer un poco más de la parte científica que hay detrás de recomendaciones de nutrición en el embarazo. Es un libro con un fondo científico pero muy fácil de leer. Tiene hacks sencillos para aplicar en el día a día, mejoras clave que puedes realizar en cualquier momento durante el embarazo y al final del libro trae diferentes recetas sencillas. Hay momentos donde es muy repetitiva en sus ideas, pero fácilmente puedes saltarte esas partes.

[nika zzz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don’t get any ideas löl. Read it for educational purposes.

Jessie, being my favourite scientist-writer, has yet again taken on a complex health subject undertaking and tackled her project marvelously—that is putting the sometimes confusing and contradictory scientific discoveries into a non-technical language understood by the vast majority. Lots of new information on choline, DHA, eggs, and other bits and bobs.

[Sarah Dalpe · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5⭐️ As someone who strongly believes food is fuel, this was an excellent source of information for properly fueling your body during pregnancy/postpartum.
The book is simply written and easily digestible, making proper nutrition feel less overwhelming. I plan to implement many of the suggestions in this book including blood sugar regulation, micronutrient intake and exercise. Feels like a must read for anyone looking for practical and evidence backed advice👏🏻

[Nati Stark · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.4/5 ⭐️
Me sorprendió gratamente; es explicativo y basado en evidencia, pero además con ejemplos prácticos
No le pongo todas las estrellas porque creo que hay más cosas importantes, además de los 4 elementos en los que se enfoca, a los que le pudo dar una vuelta, pero de todas formas está bastante bien

[Emily Kyes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very practical, easy to read, scientifically grounded. She did a great job not shaming woman who have sugar cravings during pregnancy or who can only eat cereal in first trimester. She was encouraging and compassionate in a lot of ways, shared her own experiences and stories, while also highlighting the main aspects of a good pregnancy diet.

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well-researched and written in very accessible language. Jessie clearly explains how small changes to current nutrition can help set up our children for a healthy life. It's a good read for anyone currently expecting or supporting an expecting partner.

[Joselyn Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for anyone thinking about pregnancy or already is pregnant or even already breastfeeding! Suuuuch incredible science backed information that’s easy to comprehend and easily laid out in action plan format!

[Élaé Noel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Un livre qui a le mérite d’ouvrir la conversation sur l’alimentation pendant la grossesse. J’ai apprécié l’approche pédagogique sur les nutriments clés (choline, DHA, protéines, glucose) et les conseils concrets à mettre en pratique. Ton parfois un peu trop alarmiste/anxiogène.

[Cameron Ahik · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was entertaining, insightful and very well written. I learned a lot while reading yet didn’t feel like I was reading a textbook. Great obtainable goals for pregnancy with helpful steps to get to those goals.

[Madison Hafen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a practical book that gives helpful tips without feeling overwhelming or shameful. It felt empowering to know the stats on how I can help my growing baby thrive and also validated that all the efforts I make aren’t for nothing.

[Hannah Dearth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Starting with the obligatory I’m not pregnant just interested in learning. This book is fascinating and full of incredible information. Writing style held my interest and kept me reading like it was a novel.

[Hannah Albert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aggressive title - great book. Found extremely informative and loved all of the easy-to-digest scientific research on supplements and nutrition.

Changed the way I handled some things and would definitely recommend!!