Prenatal Brain Development

Prenatal brain development plays a huge role in the future intelligence of your baby. A mother's knowledge while pregnant, of how they can look after and enhance their baby's brain growth is crucial for producing a healthy and bright baby.

A baby's early brain development in the womb needs a relatively quiet, non-stimulating environment where it is dark and warm. Preterm babies can benefit from being in a womb-like incubator which is snug, away from bright lights and loud noises.

The womb is obviously the best place for a fetus to develop. Early symptoms during pregnancy such as nausea and fatigue is mother nature's way of protecting the growing fetus inside. During this time, the most vital organs are forming.

The fatigue mothers feel tends to decrease the chances of a mother undertaking too many risky physical activities. The nausea tries to encourage the mother to keep their diet bland to avoid toxins in spoilt or exotic food entering their body to feed the baby.

Although nausea during pregnancy is most unpleasant, it is a very good sign that the placenta is developing well. Studies have proven that mothers experiencing nausea are less likely to miscarry than those that don't.

In the case of prenatal brain development, mothers need to be aware of gestational effects both during and after pregnancy as neural development is such an extended process. Some teratogens or various toxins that cross the placenta can have serious effects on your baby's developing brain.

Even subtle effects can be evident well after birth such as slower development of language, motor or sensory abilities; poor academic achievement and even behavioural disorders such as attention and sleep.

It is usually best to adopt a "better safe than sorry" attitude while pregnant and avoid any heavy exposure to anything suspect.

We don't need mothers to be paranoid and try to live in a plastic bubble though so Brainy Bambino offers some tips on what to do to enhance prenatal brain development.

The quality of nutrition during pregnancy has a profound impact on a child's future cognitive, emotional and neurological function. A mother's diet can seriously influence and shape her baby's brain development.

	Studies have shown that it is more common for babies in the womb to suffer from nutritional deficits than later in life. Because the most crucial period for brain development is as a fetus, this malnutrition can seriously alter brain potential later in life. Many mothers consume too few calories while pregnant (calories from healthy food sources). Thus the brain has a special sensitive period during infancy corresponding to the massive phase of synapse growth and axon myelination, both needing much metabolic energy. So the point is, learn as much as you can about adequate nutrients, vitamins and minerals and maintain a healthy lifestyle while pregnant.
	Be sure to consume adequate folic acid prior to conception and throughout pregnancy. Discuss this with your doctor to ensure you have the correct dosage.
	Adequate protein intake is crucial for baby's brain development. Source safe and healthy foods high in protein to promote a healthy growing fetus.
	Studies have proven that the brain is the organ most vulnerable to developmental disturbance by alcohol. Alcohol directly kills neurons in fetal brains. If you cannot possibly avoid alcohol altogether, keep intake minimal to give your baby it's best chance of developing a vitally healthy brain.
	Avoid smoking and drugs as these not only effect the brain development of baby but also many other developing organs. Even passive smoking has been found to be harmful to the intellectual development of a growing fetus so try to encourage those around you to smoke elsewhere.
	Caffeine has not been proven to be particularly harmful to a growing fetus however some studies have proven that mothers who do consume a lot of caffeine often take longer to conceive and are more prone to miscarriage.
	Maternal hormomes can effect the flow of oxygen and nutrients across the placenta to a growing baby affecting fetal growth. While many mothers are busy with work and family commitments it is important they take sensible care of themselves and get help to ensure they receive adequate rest, avoid stressful and highly emotional situations.

For more information on prenatal brain development, ask your health nurse or doctor.