The fetal nervous system i.e.
your baby’s brain, spinal cord and nerves is one of the very first systems to develop.
In fact, it’s making big strides before you even know you’re pregnant.
When does a fetus develop a brain?
Fetal brain development starts probably before you even realize youve conceived.
When does a fetus have brain activity?
The first synapses in babys spinal cord form during week 7 of pregnancy.
Just to the rear of the hindbrain sits the part that will turn into your baby’s spinal cord.
Of course, all of these fetal brain areas need more time to be fully up and running!
At the same time, special neural cells form and move throughout the embryo to kickstart nerve development.
Your baby’s nervous system is made up of millions upon millions of neurons.
Other movements follow quickly, with your fetus wiggling his developing limbsat around 8 weeks.
Baby’s sucking and swallowing impulses will also get some practice.
And all of that swallowing means that yourbaby’s tasting, too, another sense that’s amping up.
At around 18 weeks of pregnancy, you’ll feel yourbaby’s first kick!
Myelin will continue to grow until your baby’s first birthday.
And around 28 weeks, another big reflex occurs: blinking.
Third trimester
The third trimester is brimming with rapid development of neurons and wiring.
Its surface area increases 30-fold in the last 16 weeks of pregnancy!
What food is good for your babys brain?
Ideally, aim to start taking prenatal vitamins about three months before trying to conceive.
Folate is essential for fetal cell growth, tissue development and DNA.
When does the brain stop developing?
During the first three to five years of your little ones life, the brain develops rapidly.
By the age of 9, all of the major structures are in place.
That certainly doesnt mean brain development is done.
The prefrontal lobe is the last area of the brain to develop, starting during the teen years.
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