Written by Tarasha Chandra
Some things are fascinating and miraculous by nature, just like the sucking reflex that the baby develops when born, which nobody teaches them. Likewise, proper brain development is significant for the creation of a brain that functions well. Not many parents are aware of the exact month when the brain development of the fetus starts and what changes takes place. It has surprisingly impressive answer, yet many factors help in developing a proper and healthy brain which are important to know. This article explains the various facts about fetal development baby’s brain during pregnancy.
A better understanding of the pre-natal or foetal development of the brain from conception till birth leaves one speechless. The beautiful process that results in a fully formed baby is a miracle in its own. It is strange to know that the foetal nervous system comprising of the nerves, spinal cord and the brain is one of the first few things to develop. Going forward we will be studying some pointers attached to the development and the key points to keep under consideration.
In This Article
It is surprising to know that the brain is the foremost body organ to get developed. Foetal brain development influences the child’s ability to learn and be successful in the future. Let us study the early foetal brain development under the pointers for an easy understanding of the same.
The closure of the neural tube is followed by the division of the brain into three parts.
This area develops into the cerebrum, regulates the muscle movements and the baby’s hormone. It even directs higher functions like problem-solving and thinking.
It has structures that help the baby to see and hear.
This portion develops into the cerebellum that helps in coordination, balance and the medulla which controls automatic processes like blood pressure, heart rate and breathing.
At this point, ventricles which are a network of cavities form in the baby’s brain. They then produce a liquid called cerebrospinal fluid that helps the brain to float in the skull. These ventricles help in balancing the fluid levels to maintain a healthy balance with the growth of the baby.
Just like the brain the nervous system of the baby also develops during pregnancy. The nervous system development goes through the following stages.
A tabular representation of the various development stages of the baby’s brain from initial phrase still at birth is given.
Weeks Pregnant | Key Milestones |
4 Weeks | The neural plate starts forming and then curl into a neural tube. |
6 Weeks | Your baby’s brain comprises of forebrain, midbrain, and hindbrain with the ventricles formation. |
8 Weeks | A network of nerves extends throughout the baby’s body. |
12 Weeks | The key reflexes of the baby are in place. |
20 Weeks | Myelin starts developing with the baby’s network of nerves. |
28 Weeks | The senses related to smell, hearing, sight and touch start working. |
28 to 39 Weeks | The weight of the baby’s brain increases, and it is triple in weight. There are grooves in the cerebrum that offer more area for the brain cells to communicate with neurons. |
An important role is played by the parents, near and dear ones, caregivers for the ongoing development of the child. There are many things and factors that help in understanding what is going on in the baby’s brain at birth. Few of them are
Since the brain of the baby develops in the womb during pregnancy, there are many pointers that should be taken care of. It could be related to being relaxed, stress free, keeping fit but primarily the nutrition. Some postulates regarding nutrition in the early years for proper brain development are:
[Read : How To Get Proteins In Pregnancy In A Vegetarian Diet?]
Like other organs, even the fetal brain develops during pregnancy. There are different stages, and every leg of pregnancy experiences a set of progress. The key stages of development in fetal brain development during pregnancy are:
A few weeks after conception, the neural plate of a foetus starts to form which eventually becomes the neural tube. Tiny and minute neural cells travel through the embryo and form a path for the nerves. This is how the initial movement of the baby in the womb begins.
The next three months focus on the breathing patterns and sucking impulses. Gradually the foetus starts kicking as motor controls begin. The nerves have a protection with a cover called myelin, that causes rapid communication. This even results in blinking eyes and a rapid heart rate. Slowly the sensory perception starts evolving and the baby even starts sleeping as well as dreaming.
[Read : Fetal Development – Your Baby’s Eyes and Sight]
The last three months or the final phase leads to the completion of networking of nerves with the brain weight increasing rapidly. Motor enhancement increases and the cerebrum becomes big though functions only when the baby is out.
Thus, it is very important that good care is taken during pregnancy. Eating nourished food helps the baby in shaping and developing the brain and the nervous system as well. Every stage of pregnancy has something to offer to brain and the nervous system. It is best to take care of the pointers mentioned that helps in proper development but with vigilance and support for making this journey a memorable one.
The first 12 weeks are the most vulnerable for the foetus. This is the time when most of the organs and other body systems are developing. Utmost care and having a proper nourished diet with supplements are integral at this stage.
The heart is the primary organ to get formed during the development of the body.
A better intake of fruits and vegetables or having adequate Vitamin C at the mid of pregnancy helps. This time is related to the infant growth, increased fetal growth etc.
Read Also: Fetal Development – Know Everything About Your Baby’s Digestive System
She loves to dance, listen to music, cook, and read in her free time. She is transparent, intuitive, quick-witted, and loves to spend time with her near and dear ones. She believes in taking each day as it comes.Read more.
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