9 Foods that Have Surprising Effects on Baby in Your Belly [Slideshow]

Candy & Sweets

Chocolate, caramel, cotton candy–if it's sweet and sugary it's bound to get your baby moving. High levels of sugar can prompt baby to start kicking around, but it's not always for the better. Sugar gives a short boost of energy to your baby, just as it does to you. But it can also induce restlessness.

Please note that if you have gestational diabetes your doctor may recommend that you avoid excess sugar. If this is the case it is imperative that you listen to their advice, for your health and baby's.

Ice Cream, Milk Shakes, and Cold Smoothies

Cold foods, like ice cream, milk shakes, smoothies, and frozen yogurt are also known to get baby moving. Even drinking a super cold glass of water or juice can prompt a few kicks, twists, or turns from your baby. If you're looking to feel your baby move try to stick with healthy beverages and steer clear of sugary sodas.

Spicy Foods

Jalapeños, chili peppers, and hot sauce. They give a kick to your food, and it may result in a kick to your tummy too. Spicy foods get babies going and many moms-to-be report quite a bit of movement after they consume something fire-y. If it's bound to clear up your nasal passages or make your eyes water, chances are that baby is going to notice too. The downside? Pregnancy heart burn.

Carbonated Beverages

Seltzer water, sodas, and any fizzy drink may make your baby do summersaults. Again, it's best to stay away from beverages that are loaded up with high levels of sugar, but a good old fashion club soda has zero calories, zero sugar, and is a nice refreshing beverage. Your baby might think so too. However, note that too much carbonation may give you gas, cause bloating, or give you the burps.

Sour Foods

Sour foods, like pickles, might get your baby jumping. Other options include fresh lemon, lime, or grapefruit. It might make you pucker a bit, and your baby might pucker a little, too. Lots of sour foods, such as citrus fruits, include high levels of vitamin C which baby needs to grow. Plus, if you're trying to avoid morning sickness it's best to eat something light for breakfast. Grapefruit can be an excellent option.

Caffeine

Most doctors consider up to 200mg of caffeine per day safe for pregnant women. Much to many moms-to-be delight, that means you don't have to skip your morning cup of coffee, unless your OB/GYN recommends that you avoid caffeinated beverages. And just as coffee gives you that little extra boost, it's sure to get the little one going as well. Note that many sodas and teas also have caffeine in them, so be super mindful of what you drink.

If your doctor advises you to avoid caffeine entirely heed their advice and avoid these beverages.

Orange Juice

Experts are not sure why, but many mothers report their babies become more active after drinking a glass of orange juice. It may be a combination of the beverage being cold as well as having naturally high levels of natural sugar. Since it's a healthy drink when consumed in moderation, go ahead and have a glass. You might make baby kick.

Garlic & Spices

Some women report that foods such as garlic, mint, and anise make babies kick more frequently. Experts believe that the scent these foods give off may cross over to the amniotic fluid and that babies react when moms consume them. Some women state that foods particularly rich in spices and seasonings, such as Italian food, make their babies move more.

Peanut Butter

Peanut butter is packed full of nutrients and when consumed in moderation presents many health benefits. It's high in both vitamin D and vitamin A, as well as iron, calcium, and magnesium. Additionally, it has a high protein content, which experts suggest may get baby moving.