Pregnancy is an exciting time full of rapid change and development for both you and your baby. While the growth happening on the outside is clear to everyone (hello, growing belly!), it’s the development we can’t see that is truly fascinating. Your fetus will begin the process of developing a brain around week 5, but it isn’t until week 6 or 7 when the neural tube closes and the brain separates into three parts, that the real fun begins.
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What month of pregnancy is most important for brain development?
Third trimester – The third trimester is brimming with rapid development of neurons and wiring. His brain roughly triples in weight during the last 13 weeks of pregnancy, growing from about 3.5 ounces at the end of the second trimester to almost 10.6 ounces at term.
Your baby’s brain is starting to look different, too: Its once smooth surface is becoming increasingly grooved and indented (like the images of brains you’re used to seeing). At the same time, the cerebellum (chiefly responsible for motor control) is developing fast — faster now than any other area of the fetal brain.
Its surface area increases 30-fold in the last 16 weeks of pregnancy! All of this growth is big news for the cerebral cortex (the part responsible for thinking, remembering and feeling). Though this important area of the brain is developing rapidly during pregnancy, it really only starts to function around the time a full-term baby is born — and it steadily and gradually matures in the first few years of life, thanks to your baby’s enriching environment.
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How do I know my baby’s brain is developing?
Your baby’s brain development – Your baby’s brain has been developing since they were in your womb. In the first trimester of pregnancy nerve connections are built that enable your baby to move around in the womb. While in the second trimester, more nerve connections and brain tissue are formed.
In the third trimester, the cerebral cortex starts to take over from the brain stem, preparing your baby for future learning. By the time your baby arrives, they can hear (they will know your voice!) and also see a little. Their brain will then continue to grow and develop for many years. The human brain has 3 main parts: Brain stem and cerebellum — these connect the brain to the spinal cord and control the body’s breathing, heart rate, blood pressure, balance and reflexes.
Limbic system — this sits on top of the brain stem and looks after many different functions including emotion, thirst, hunger, memory, learning, and the body’s daily rhythms. Cerebral cortex — this consists of a left and right hemisphere and sits on top of the limbic system.
- occipital lobe — for vision
- temporal lobe — for hearing, language and social interaction
- frontal lobe — for memory, self-regulation, planning and problem solving
- parietal lobe — for bodily sensations like pain, pressure, heat and cold
Diagram showing different parts of the brain. Loving relationships and stimulating experiences are vital for your baby’s development since they give your baby opportunities to communicate, move and learn about their world.
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What week is most critical in pregnancy?
First Trimester Fetal Growth and Development Benchmarks – The chart below provides benchmarks for most normal pregnancies. However, each fetus develops differently.
| Timing | Development Benchmark |
|---|---|
| By the end of four weeks |
All major systems and organs begin to form. The embryo looks like a tadpole. The neural tube (which becomes the brain and spinal cord), the digestive system, and the heart and circulatory system begin to form. The beginnings of the eyes and ears are developing. Tiny limb buds appear, which will develop into arms and legs. The heart is beating. |
| By the end of eight weeks |
All major body systems continue to develop and function, including the circulatory, nervous, digestive, and urinary systems. The embryo is taking on a human shape, although the head is larger in proportion to the rest of the body. The mouth is developing tooth buds, which will become baby teeth. The eyes, nose, mouth, and ears are becoming more distinct. The arms and legs can be easily seen. The fingers and toes are still webbed, but can be clearly distinguished. The main organs continue to develop and you can hear the baby’s heartbeat using an instrument called a Doppler. The bones begin to develop and the nose and jaws are rapidly developing. The embryo is in constant motion but cannot be felt by the mother. |
| From embryo to fetus |
After 8 weeks, the embryo is now referred to as a fetus, which means offspring. Although the fetus is only 1 to 1.5 inches long at this point, all major organs and systems have been formed. |
| During weeks nine to 12 |
The external genital organs are developed. Fingernails and toenails appear. Eyelids are formed. Fetal movement increases. The arms and legs are fully formed. The voice box (larynx) begins to form in the trachea. |
The fetus is most vulnerable during the first 12 weeks. During this period of time, all of the major organs and body systems are forming and can be damaged if the fetus is exposed to drugs, infectious agents, radiation, certain medications, tobacco and toxic substances. Even though the organs and body systems are fully formed by the end of 12 weeks, the fetus cannot survive independently.
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Which fruit is best for baby brain development?
6. Brain Food: Berries – Strawberries, cherries, blueberries, blackberries. “In general, the more intense the color, the more nutrition in the berries,” Krieger says. Berries boast high levels of antioxidants, especially vitamin C, which may help prevent cancer,
Studies have shown improved memory with the extracts of blueberries and strawberries. “But eat the real thing to get a more nutritious package,” Krieger says. “The seeds from berries are also a good source of omega-3 fats.” Eat more berries: Add berries to veggies that may need a flavor boost – like sliced sweet cherries with broccoli or strawberries with green beans.
Toss berries into a green salad. Add chopped berries to a jar of salsa for an excellent flavor surprise. More berry ideas: Add berries to yogurt, hot or cold cereal, or dips. For a light dessert, top a mound of berries with nonfat whipped topping, Krieger suggests.
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What trimester is the safest?
Things to remember –
If you are pregnant, the safest time for you to travel is during the second trimester, provided you aren’t experiencing any complications. If you are pregnant and considering travel, you must consult with your doctor, especially if your pregnancy is high risk. Avoid travelling to developing nations during pregnancy. Be wary of taking medications of any kind, including those commonly used to treat traveller’s diarrhoea.
Getting there by car, babycenter.com.au., Pregnancy and overheating, 2011, netdoctor,, ‘Influenza’, 2013, The Australian Immunisation Handbook 10th Edition 2013, Australian Government Department of Health., Reyes N, Grosse S, Grant A, Deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.,
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Is brain fully developed at 37 weeks?
During the last weeks of pregnancy, a baby is forming brain connections and pathways that are important for learning, movement and coordination. Allowing development to 40 weeks gives the brain opportunity to reach its full developmental potential.
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Is brain fully developed at 36 weeks?
Stages of pregnancy: 33 to 36 weeks pregnant After 33 weeks of pregnancy, your baby’s brain and nervous system are fully developed. Their bones are continuing to harden, apart from the skull bones which remain soft. Skull bones stay soft and separated until after the birth to make the journey through the birth canal easier.
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Can a fetus feel pain at 8 weeks?
Evidence for this conclusion is based on the following findings: (1) the neural pathways for pain perception via the cortical subplate are present as early as 12 weeks gestation, and via the thalamus as early as 7–8 weeks gestation; (2) the cortex is not necessary for pain to be experienced; (3) consciousness is
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