Brain Development, Intelligence and Tips for What Parents Can Do

Brain development in the prenatal stage is amazing. Fetal brain cells are generated at about 250,000 per minute. It is most likely that infants will have all the neurons they are going to ever have in their life at the time of birth.

The next stage of neuron development is cell migration. In this stage neurons move from near the center of the brain, which is where they are produced, to their appropriate locations. The process of cell migration is completed seven months after conception.

The third stage of neuron development is concerned with cell elaboration. During this stage axons and dendrites grow and form connections with other cells. Cell elaboration continues for many years after birth .

Another process that begins prenatally and continues after birth, is myelination. This is a process in which nerve cells are covered and insulated with a layer of fat cells. Myelination increases the speed of information which travels through the nervous system.

The nervous system starts to form as a hollow tube on the embryo back. The brain forms into a large mass of neurons and loses the tubular appearance. Three major divisions in the brain form. These are:

• Hindbrain - located at the lowest portion of the brain; controls motor development
• Midbrain - located between the hind and forebrain; relaying information to eyes and ears.
• Forebrain - large part of the brain; plays the most critical role in thinking and language.

Most neurons are produced between 10 and 26 weeks after conception.

IQ is a potential benefit to breast-feeding reports Kentucky researchers. After reviewing twenty published studies on the effects of breast-feeding on infant IQ (Intelligence Quotient), the researchers suggest that breast-fed babies IQ's may be three to five points higher than those of formula fed babies.

Furthermore, in the October issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, the researchers reported that the longer the baby was breast-fed, the greater the benefits to his or her IQ. Moreover, Dr. James W. Anderson, the lead researcher and professor of medicine and clinical nutrition at the University of Kentucky, attributes the higher IQ levels to DHA and AA. Breast milk contains docosahexaenoic (DHA) and arachidonic acid (AA). Arachidonic acid is a long chain of polyunsaturated fatty acids that appear to support brain development. These nutrients are not found in formulas sold in the United States.

• Regular exercise is a good while your are pregnant (always check with you doctor). By keeping your body fit your labor will beeasier.
• No drug use
• A well nutrition diet
• Reading to your unborn child, infant and children
• Playing music to your fetus and child
• Encourage infants to look at objects as soon as possible

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