MAXIMIZING PRENATAL DEVELOPMENT: BRAIN, INTELLIGENCE, AND TIPS

Today it is more important than ever for parents to ensure a healthy future for their children. It is for this reason that expectant parents should do whatever they can before the birth of their child, to guarantee the baby a healthy and happy start in life. Through browsing this website you will learn the events which take place in the prenatal stage of life, and also, tips which may increase the health and intelligence of unborn babies. So read on, and learn what helps and hurts the lives of unborn children.

Conception to 6 weeks	After fertilization the zygote divides into three parts in the uterus. Each has specific roles: part becomes the embryo, part the placenta part amniotic sac. This is the time that the organism is most susceptible to teratogens or negative effects from the environment, such as alcohol, drugs, smoking and poor nutrition.
7 to 11 WEEKS	The trophoblast divides into three layers: outer layer forms the brain, nerves, skin and tooth enamel middle layer forms bones, muscles, blood vessels, heart, kidney and some reproductive organs. inner layer forms the stomach, liver, intestines, lungs and urinary tract.
11 TO 14 WEEKS	The kidneys begin functioning producing urine which go's into the amniotic fluid. The fetus is about 3 inches long and one can see arms, legs, fingertip and toes. Sex can be determined. The fetus is clearly a human.
14 TO 18 WEEKS	Facial features are becoming more distinct. The fetus can now suck on his or her hand .
19 TO 22 WEEKS	The fetus is about 7 inches long and weighs about 12 ounces. The heartbeat is audible. Hair starts to appear on the body.
23 TO 27 WEEKS	Fetus is 9 inches 1/2 pounds and is covered a with protective coating called vernix caseosa and the eyes begin to open.
28 TO 30 WEEKS	It's 14 to 17 inches long and weighs two 1/2 to 3 pounds. The skull and brain are enlarging rapidly. The fetus is active. Taste buds are developed and the fetus can make grasping motions.
31 TO 34 WEEKS	The fetus is 17 inches and weighs 5 pounds. Fetus is able to respond to sound and moves into the birth position.
35 TO DELIVERY	The fetus is 19 inches long and weighs about 6 to 11 pounds. Skin is less wrinkled. The fetus becomes less active while gaining immunities from the mother.

TERATOGENS

Teratogens are environmental or genetic agents that cause birth defects. For example, cigarettes, marijuana, and alcohol are all environmental teratogens. Genetic teratogens are related to the heredity of the unborn child.

Many factors come into play when considering the health of an unborn child. It is not only important how a mother takes care of her physical self, but her emotional self as well. Furthermore, the environment in which a pregnant women lives can greatly affect the health of her unborn baby. For instance, a new study suggest that women who are abused by their partner are more likely to deliver low birth weight babies. Moreover, the effect of physical and/or emotional abuse during pregnancy is comparable to the rate of high blood pressure during pregnancy. Teratogens can affect unborn babies in a serious way.

Expectant mothers need to take care that their babies are not exposed to any teratogens.

They can also maximize their babies development by learning about brain development and intelligence.

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