It used to be thought that the unborn baby was protected from harm by the placenta which filtered out dangerous chemicals. The tragedy of the limb-deficient Thalidomide babies in the 1970's, however, connected the use of drug with very real consequences to the growing fetus. Additional anomalies were detected in off-spring of women who took DES.
There is reason to believe that the fetus competes with her mother for available nutrients. If they are not available in sufficient quantity, the baby may have long-term consequences. Pregnant women who have deficient diets may cause miscarriage, stillbirth, low birth weight, brain damage, psychological problems or weak immune systems in their babies.
Shepherd's Purse is an annual, weed, that grows to about 20 inches in height and is easily recognized by the heart-shaped pods that form near the top. It grows in sunny areas throughout the United States.
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