The whole question is highly controversial and not proved in either
way, though there are some intriguing studies suggesting that
intrauterine sensitization can occur.

Chandra Rk, Puri S, Suraiya C et al. Influence of maternal food
antigen avoidance during pregnancy and lactation on incidence of
atopic eczema in infants. Clin allergy 1986;16:565-9

Kondo N, Kobayashi Y, Shinoda S et al.  Cord blood lymphocyte response
to food antigens for the prediction of allergic disorders. ARch Dis
Child 1992:67;1003-7

Warn JA, Miles EA, Warner JO. Relation of allergen triggered T cell
responses at birth and six months in babies born to allergic parents.
Eur Resp J 1992;5 supp 15:431

However, there are studies which suggest strongly that allergen
avoidance during pregnancy does *not* decrease the incidence of
allergic problems in the child.

Jack Newman, MD, FRCPC