Final answer:
Eating junk food during pregnancy doesn’t directly cause children to be born with excess weight, though excess weight gain in mothers can increase risks for the child's health. Proper nutrition is crucial, and pregnant women need only about 300 extra daily calories. A balanced diet contributes to healthier outcomes for mother and child.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that pregnant women who eat junk food can give birth to fat children is a simplification of a complex issue. While a mother’s diet can indeed affect the health of her child, it is not a direct causal relationship that eating junk food will always result in a baby being born with excess weight. It’s important to understand that proper nutrition during pregnancy matters significantly. The additional caloric need is only about 300 extra calories daily, particularly in the last trimester of pregnancy.
Excess weight gain in pregnant women can increase the risk of birthing larger babies, who might be predisposed to health issues such as obesity or diabetes later in life. Obesity can be the result of overeating and genetics among other factors, but it’s not solely determined by the mother’s consumption of junk food during pregnancy. Nonetheless, a balanced diet that avoids unhealthy foods can support healthier outcomes for both mother and baby.