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Pregnant women subconsciously avoid illness

A new study has discovered that pregnant women are drawn to healthy looking faces in what scientists believe is a subconscious bid to avoid illness.

The tests were carried out at the Perception Lab at St Andrews University who also recently determined that women at their most fertile tend to choose masculine looking men, presumably in the hope of securing strong genes.

In this latest study, women were shown two computer generated faces and asked to choose their favourite. One had been altered to show an unhealthy pallor whilst the other was healthy.

Women with high levels of the progesterone hormone chose the healthier face.

Dr Ben Jones, of the University of Aberdeen, said pregnant women and those with raised progesterone are more attracted to men who appear healthier.

He said, "Our findings suggest that pregnancy, or when a woman is in a similar hormonal state, trigger strategies within the body for avoiding illness during social interactions.

"These could compensate for weakened immune system responses at these times and reduce the risk of maternal illness disrupting the development of the unborn child."

Professor David Perrett, head of the Perception Lab, said "We show that women's choice of both friends and possible romantic partners is also guided by apparent health.

"Every woman likes healthy looking faces, but women who are pregnant are particularly keen on healthy looks.

" The study found that the preference for healthier faces was stronger for women during the low fertility phase of their menstrual cycle. Dr Jones said the findings suggested women do not prefer healthier men because they would make good long-term partners, but rather to avoid illness.

Where to next?

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