Does a keto diet increase the risk of birth defects for pregnant women?

A new study suggests pregnant women who follow a ketogenic diet could increase their risk for birth defects and gestational diabetes. Keto diets are low in carbohydrates, moderate in protein and high in fat, largely followed for weight loss purposes. In a review published in the journal Frontiers in Nutrition, researchers claim data shows an association between low-carbohydrate diets consumed during the year before conception and an increased risk for birth defects. But, if you have done well on a keto diet, know that we need far more research to know if such a diet is truly harmful for mothers and their babies.