Pregnant women are often advised to "eat for two" to have a healthy baby. But according to a new research, a diet that is high in fat or carbohydrates may influence the sex and health of a child.

Researchers observed a pregnant mouse and found that a high-calorie diet had an effect on nearly 2,000 genes in the developing offspring, including those involved in kidney function and smell.

The findings also recommended that girls could possibly be more vulnerable to genetic changes, than boys, prompted by their mother's diet.

There's also a likelihood that sons whose mothers are obese, are more likely than daughters to become obese and acquire diabetes as they get older.

The study revealed that a diet rich in carbohydrates may increase the chances of a boy, women with lower energy intake are expected to deliver a girl.

Also obese mothers are at higher risk of miscarriage or stillbirth.

Dr. Cheryl Rosenfeld, of the University of Missouri, and colleagues writes, "Diet during pregnancy influences the future health of a woman's offspring, with outcomes differing depending on the child's sex".