The brain development of the baby in the womb in each trimester

The development of the baby's brain is one of the most important phases in the growth of the fetus in the womb. Not only does it take place when the baby is still in the womb, the baby's brain growth also takes place until he has grown up. Therefore, the baby's brain growth must be considered since the baby is in the womb. At what gestational age has the baby's brain started to grow and develop?

The development of the baby's brain in the womb

The growth of the baby's brain has started at the beginning of gestation until the baby is born into the world. The following are the stages of brain development of a baby during pregnancy.

In the first trimester

According to What To Expect, about 16 days after fertilization (the sperm fertilizes the egg), the basis for the formation of the spinal cord and brain of the fetus (neural plate) began to take shape. Neural plate continues to grow and then turns into a neural tube (neural tube).

Furthermore, the neural tube closes at around 5-8 weeks of gestation and is divided into three parts, namely the forebrain, midbrain, and hindbrain. This hindbrain will then form the spinal cord.

Around the 5th week of gestation, the baby's cells begin to increase and begin to form certain functions. At around 5 weeks of gestation also, the baby's brain, spinal cord, and heart begin to develop.

This is the critical period of the baby in the first trimester. The risk of developing a baby's growth disorders at this time is very high and if it happens it can cause birth defects.

Around 6 to 7 weeks of gestation, the baby's brain will continue to grow until it forms the cerebrum (cerebrum), cerebellum (cerebellum), brain stem, pituitary gland, and hypothalamus.

These five parts of the brain have their respective functions which are very important for the function of the entire body.

At the 8th week of gestation, the baby's brain continues to grow. Furthermore, at week 10, the baby's brain has started to function.

In addition, other organs have started functioning this week, such as the kidneys, intestines and liver. At the 10th week of gestation, your future baby is no longer called an embryo, but is still a fetus.

In the second trimester

In the second trimester, at 18 weeks of gestation, the baby's nerves begin to be covered with myelin. Myelin will protect the baby's nerves and function to speed up the delivery of messages between nerve cells.

This myelin development will continue until the baby is 1 year old. So, brain development will still occur after the baby is born.

At the end of the second trimester, the baby's brainstem, which plays a role in basic life functions, such as heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration, shows nearly maturity.

In the third trimester

The brain is in its most rapid development in the third trimester, especially the development of neurons.

The baby's brain also increases in size at this time and has tripled in weight during the last 13 weeks of gestation.

From about 100 grams at the end of the second trimester to 300 grams in the third trimester.

The shape of the baby's brain has also begun to change, from having a smooth surface to becoming increasingly curved like the shape of an adult brain.

The baby's brain growth runs faster at 27 to 30 weeks of gestation. By this time, the nervous system is developed enough to control several body functions. The fetus has also begun to hear sounds from outside the uterus.

At week 28, fetal brain wave activity begins to have a sleep cycle, such as the REM stage (where you can dream at this stage).

In the third trimester, the cerebellum (which controls movement) develops faster. The cortex of the cerebrum, which plays a role in the functions of thinking, remembering, and feeling, also underwent many developments at this time.

Yes, in the third trimester there is a lot of brain development during pregnancy. However, the brain begins to function around the time the baby is about to be born at full gestation.

Not only until this time, the brain will continue to develop gradually in the baby's life several years after birth.

When the brain is developing, both still in the womb and at birth, you should give the baby nutritious intake to support his brain development.

How to maximize the baby's brain development?

Babies in the womb get nutrients from the mother's bloodstream to support their growth and development, including brain development.

This causes what the mother eats of course will also flow to the baby's body through the placenta. Therefore, during pregnancy, mothers should pay attention to the food they consume.

The following are things you can do to support the brain development of the baby in the womb.

1. Consume folic acid

Given that the baby's nervous system is developing very rapidly, it is very important to consume folic acid which is very important in the development of the baby's brain.

What to Expect says, taking folic acid reduces the risk of having a child with autism by up to 40 percent.

The recommended level of folic acid is 400 milligrams per day, you can take it through vitamins that have been recommended by your doctor.

2. Avoid foods containing hazardous minerals

To help the development of the baby's brain in the womb, it is important to avoid foods that contain harmful minerals.

Mercury in swordfish, shark, king mackerel and tilefish is one that needs to be avoided. Mercury can cause damage to the nerves and brain that are developing during pregnancy.

3. Reduce consumption of fish oil

When you are pregnant, you should only take fish oil when necessary. Fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids (especially DHA) which can support fetal brain development.

You can also get omega-3 fatty acids from fatty fish that are low in mercury, such as salmon, sardines, tuna, herring, and trout.

However, you should not eat this fish too often because it also contains a small amount of mercury.

4. Expand to eat protein

Quoting from Everyday Family, one way to improve baby's brain development is to consume more protein.

Protein is an important nutrient that is needed in the growth and development of all organs in the baby's body, including the brain.

5. Exercise regularly

Exercise during pregnancy is very beneficial for pregnant women and the baby's brain development. However, don't let yourself experience excessive fatigue, especially during the first trimester. Sports that pregnant women can do include:

On foot

A leisurely walk can be an inexpensive exercise for pregnant women, but it is very beneficial for the development of the baby's brain, smoothing the work of the heart, blood circulation and fitness

You can try to walk for 30 minutes a day and don't need to go far. Can be around the house in the morning.

Swimming

If you want to exercise to help the baby's brain development, but are too lazy to sweat, swimming is one sport that you can try.

Swimming during pregnancy is recommended because when in the pool, body mass decreases so that the mother's body is not too tired to support the body.

6. Avoid stress

Mild stress during pregnancy may be normal, but don't overdo it because it can have an impact on the brain development of the baby in your womb.

If you start to feel stressed, it's best to find activities to deal with your stress, such as listening to music, exercising, hanging out with friends, and so on.