What Affects Baby's Brains in the Womb?

Attention to the effects of alcohol, drugs and malnutrition on an unborn baby's development has increased in the past several decades. Research into the development of the fetal brain specifically also has flourished since the second half of the 20th century. Although some factors are common knowledge to the general public, there are several that might be less well-known. Awareness of these effects on brain development can aid parents in proper prenatal care.

Vitamins and Minerals

• The effects of vitamin and mineral deficiencies on fetal brain development have been the subject of many studies. An article by G. Robert DeLong in the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" mentions the role of folic acid and zinc in the prevention of neural-tube defects, such as spina bifida. DeLong suggests that both genetic and environmental deficiencies are responsible for these defects. He emphasizes the importance of women taking multivitamin supplements during pregnancy to help avoid such brain impairments.

DHA

• Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is a fatty acid present in all cells of the human body, and it is crucial to brain development. Difficult to find in foods and not present in most prenatal supplements, DHA consumption in pregnant women is generally below the recommended levels. These levels can be increased through eating cold water fatty fish such as haddock and cod. With concerns about mercury levels in certain fish, consult your physician before consuming them when pregnant. Additionally, researchers suggest that supplements produced from ocean algae will raise an expectant mother's DHA levels. This can give the benefits without fish consumption.

Thyroid Hormones

• Studies suggest that normal thyroid function is critical to brain development. A fetus uses the hormones produced by its own thyroid, and it also receives them from its mother. When deprived of these hormones, brain growth is retarded. When the baby suffers from hyperthyroidism, often the mother's thyroid hormones will allow for normal brain development in the womb. However, if untreated upon birth, permanent mental retardation will occur. If the mother does not ingest enough iodine, both she and her unborn child will be hyperthyroid. Iodine supplements can prevent mental retardation.

Sound

• There is debate about whether cognitive development of the fetal brain occurs in response to habitual exposure to certain sounds, including the mother's voice. A study referenced in a review by Rhawn Joseph, Ph.D., of the Brain Research Laboratory suggests that repetitive sounds directed at the fetus up to six weeks before term resulted in basic cognitive activity. Other studies suggest this is simply a reflexive response and not proof of the fetal brain's ability to learn.