Eating junk food during pregnancy can have several negative effects on both the mother and the developing baby. Some of these effects include: Nutrient Deficiency: Junk food is often high in empty calories but low in essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and protein, which are crucial for the development of the baby. A lack of these nutrients can lead to deficiencies that affect both maternal and fetal health. Gestational Diabetes: Consuming high amounts of sugary and processed foods can lead to insulin resistance, increasing the risk of gestational diabetes. This can cause high blood sugar levels that may affect the pregnancy and the baby's health, potentially leading to complications like large birth weight and early delivery. Weight Gain: Excessive consumption of junk food can contribute to unhealthy weight gain, which increases the risk of complications such as high blood pressure, preeclampsia, and difficulties during labor. Increased Risk of Heart Disease: A diet high in unhealthy fats, especially trans fats and saturated fats found in many junk foods, can raise the risk of developing heart disease and high cholesterol, which can also affect the mother during pregnancy. Premature Birth: There is some evidence suggesting that poor eating habits, including eating a lot of junk food, can contribute to the risk of premature birth and low birth weight. Increased Risk of Birth Defects: Poor nutrition from a junk food diet may increase the likelihood of birth defects, such as neural tube defects, which can affect the baby’s brain and spine development. Poor Brain Development: Diets high in fats and sugars, with low essential nutrients, can affect the baby’s brain development, potentially impacting cognitive abilities and behavior later in life.