Pregnancy is not only about the belly that swells, it is even more about the amazing process that takes place in your uterus. The development of the brain of your baby is one of the most interesting things about the development of the fetus. During the first weeks and the third trimester, the brain of your baby experiences tremendous transformations that determine everything including reflexes and emotions.
As the best gynaecologist in Bangalore, Dr. Archana Agarwal believes that informed mothers make healthier choices. So what can you do to help your baby develop? Let us look at the 10 most important things you need to know about how your baby brain develops.
1. Brain Development Starts Early
The brain of your baby starts developing only 3 weeks after the conception. The brain and the spinal cord, the neural tube, begins to form well before many of the women are aware of their pregnancy. This is the reason why folic acid supplements and early prenatal care are essential at the very beginning.
2. Folic Acid Is Essential in the First Trimester
Folic acid prevents the occurrence of such neural tube defects as spina bifida. By consuming 400-600 mcg of folic acid on a daily basis (recommended by your gynecologist) during the first 12 weeks, the brain and the spine will grow normally. Inadequate intake of this nutrient at an early stage of pregnancy may have an impact on the structural carrier of the brain.
3. The Brain Grows Rapidly in the Second Trimester
During weeks 13-27, the brain of the baby begins to grow in different regions, such as the touch, hearing, and moving one. It is an exceptional period when the formation of neural connections (synapses) is taking place at an unbelievable pace, so this is when it is good to eat well and check regularly.
4. Sound Stimulates Early Brain Function
At about 18-20 weeks, your unborn baby becomes able to hear outside sounds. Conversations, reading or music can be used to provoke auditory development and emotional connection. Read aloud the story you like best or sing a happy song!
5. Movement Enhances Neural Pathways
The movement assists in the development of the motor cortex which regulates coordination. You will be asked to count the fetal movements since the second trimester by your doctor.
6. DHA, Iron, and Iodine Are Brain Boosters
Brain cells are formed and functioned with the help of such nutrients as DHA (a kind of Omega-3 fatty acid), iron, and iodine. Good sources include flaxseeds, walnut, spinach, eggs, and iodized salt. Your gynecologist can also prescribe you with prenatal vitamins so that you get the right balance.
7. Avoid Toxins That Hinder Brain Development
Drugs such as alcohol, nicotine and unprescribed drugs can damage the brain of your baby. Whenever you want to take any form of medicine, herbal supplements, or over-the-counter drug, you should always consult your gynecologist first. Even stress levels as high as they are can release hormones that influence the development of the fetal brain.
8. Third Trimester: Brain Size Triples
The brain of your baby grows to three times in size and complexity between week 28 and birth. The thinking portion of the brain (cerebral cortex) becomes active. At this age too, memory, attention and learning abilities start to form.
9. Sleep and Stress Management Matter
The environment has an impact on your baby. Sleeping well, drinking water, and using stress-relieving activities such as prenatal yoga or meditation ensure a healthy uterine environment that would facilitate normal brain development.
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10. Regular Checkups Ensure Brain Health
Brain development, blood flow and oxygen supply can be monitored with the help of ultrasound scans, Doppler studies and fetal assessments. A trip to an experienced and caring gynecologist guarantees the issues are detected early and treated in time.
Dr Archana Agarwal offers high technology prenatal care such as anomaly scans and growth assessments and therefore is one of the finest gynaecologists in Bangalore who gives fetal brain development care.
Final Thoughts
Knowing how your baby grows in the brain gives you the power to make the correct decisions- nutritionally, emotionally and medically. All the decisions you take throughout your pregnancy such as eating the right food, managing stress, etc, are all part of the cognitive and emotional future of your child.
Our Bangalore clinic assists pregnant women with the best evidence-based treatments, advanced diagnostics, and individual counseling. So that your baby has the best start in the world, visit Dr. Archana Agarwal and be actively involved in your pregnancy.
