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The presence of your little one in the womb is an extraordinarily happy gift. During its development period, the fetus’s brain becomes one of the main focuses that mothers need to pay more attention to. This is because the brain is the center of all cognitive and physical activities that will determine your little one’s future.
Mothers often wonder when the fetus’ brain develops in the womb. In general, the fetal brain begins to develop from the early stages of pregnancy. However, the peak of fetal brain development usually occurs between the 12th and 24th weeks. In this phase, the structure and function of the fetus’s brain experiences rapid growth, you know, Mother.
To encourage fetal brain development, it is important for mothers to choose a balanced food intake during pregnancy to create an intelligent child. For example, some nutrients that influence brain development are folic acid, omega-3, protein and iron. These nutrients have an important role in ensuring the fetus’s brain develops optimally.
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Fetal brain development each trimester
Apart from paying attention to food, mothers can also consume additional vitamins such as vitamin D, vitamin B complex and choline. If there is a deficiency of these vitamins, it can affect the development of the fetus’s brain and have the potential to hinder its development. Don’t forget, consult with experts, Mother.
So, when does the fetus’ brain in the womb begin to develop? What factors influence it? What foods and vitamins can you consume? The following is an explanation of fetal brain development, quoted from the Healthline page and various sources. Come on, let’s read the full explanation, Mother.
When does the fetus’ brain in the womb begin to develop?
The development that occurs in the fetal brain varies each trimester. Generally, the fetal brain will begin to develop in the 5th week or possibly the 6th week when the neural tube closes and the brain separates into three parts. To understand more clearly about fetal brain development, below is a complete explanation quoted from the Healthline page. Listen, Mother.
Fetal brain development in the 1st trimester
The first trimester is a time of rapid development and separation of various parts of the brain. Within 4 weeks, this rudimentary structure, also known as the neural plate, develops, and this will become the embryo of the nervous system.
Furthermore, the neural tube will continue to grow. However, in the 6th or 7th week the neural tube will close. The cephalad part (the part of the brain that is not yet perfect) will be separated into three different parts, namely, the forebrain, midbrain and hindbrain.
At this time, neurons and synapses (connections) begin to develop in the spinal cord. Most likely this will make the fetus make its first movement, Mother.
Fetal brain development in the 2nd trimester
In the second trimester, the fetal brain begins to take over body functions, including specific movements originating from the hindbrain and more specifically the cerebellum.
Well, one of the first important developments is sucking and swallowing which can be detected at around 16 weeks, Mother. Continuing at week 21, the baby will be able to swallow amniotic fluid, you know.
At the same time, respiratory movements begin which are directed by the central nervous system which is also undergoing development. Apart from that, you don’t need to be surprised if you start feeling kicks in the second trimester because this is the influence of the cerebellum which is responsible for motor control, Mom.
At the end of the second trimester, fetal development advances to the stage of being able to hear and sleep patterns emerge as brain waves from the developing hypothalamus become more mature. Structurally, the fetal brain at this time looks like the adult brain.
Fetal brain development in the 3rd trimester
This third trimester is where rapid development occurs, fetal growth goes hand in hand with brain growth too, Mother. The most prominent part of the brain in this trimester is the cerebellum. This causes the fetus to start kicking, punching, writhing, stretching, and all other movements carried out by the fetus.
Illustration Janin/ Photo: Getty Images/iStockphoto/janulla
Factors that influence fetal brain development in the womb
According to the Very Well Family page, there are many factors that can influence fetal brain development, but most pregnant women do not need to worry too much to the point of wanting to change their lifestyle spontaneously to encourage healthy fetal brain development.
In fact, one of the most important factors in optimal fetal brain development is living a healthy lifestyle. Mothers can start by paying attention to the food they consume every day.
Choose healthy and nutritious foods, and also exercise regularly. It is also important for pregnant women to avoid alcohol and cigarettes, this is because the substances contained in them can interfere with the formation of brain cells, you know, Mother.
Apart from the factors above, there are several other factors that influence the development of the fetus’ brain while in the womb, including:
Infection
Infection poses the greatest risk to the baby’s growth and development. In some cases, there are pregnant women who are immune to infection. Therefore, it is important for you to pay more attention and not forget to always consult your doctor about your condition. Stress
Some researchers believe that stress can affect brain growth and development. In a study it was also found that stress experienced by a mother during pregnancy can change neural connectivity in the fetus’s brain. Choline
A study at the University of Colorado suggests that choline, an important nutrient easily found in eggs, beef and liver, can help prevent problems with fetal brain development.
Illustration of Vitamins for Pregnant Women/ Photo: Getty Images/iStockphoto/Makidotvn
5 Recommended foods for young pregnant women so that their children are smart
Mothers definitely hope that your little one will grow up to be an intelligent child. Therefore, it is important for you to know what foods can help your little one’s brain development that you can consume during pregnancy. Some food recommendations are as follows:
Fatty fish such as salmon and oysters Green leafy vegetables such as spinach Blueberries Eggs Cheese
5 recommended vitamins for pregnant women for baby’s brain intelligence
Not only through food, mothers can also consume additional vitamins to maintain health and encourage fetal brain development. Below are some recommended vitamins that you can consider. Listen, Mother.
Folic acid Vitamin B6 Vitamin B12 Omega 3 Vitamin A
That is an explanation of brain development that occurs in the fetus. Hopefully, after knowing and understanding it, Mother can look after your little one so that he grows up to be an intelligent child.
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