Translate

Saturday, September 22, 2012

Amazing Development

 Expectant mothers are excited and curious to know about the growth of their little one inside the womb. Besides the physical growth, fetal brain development timeline is imperative, not only to know, but also to understand it better. The human CNS begins to develop when the embryo is about 2 weeks old. The dorsal surface thickens forming a neural tube surrounding a fluid filled cavity. The forward end enlarges and differentiates into the hindbrain, midbrain and forebrain. The rest of the neural tube becomes the spinal cord.

 
Chemical processes develop the brain to an amazing degree even before the start of any experience with the world. Detailed changes in development continue to occur throughout life. The environmental, physical and emotional being of the mother, all have a profound effect on fetal brain development. The result of this is mental and cognitive disabilities. Throughout pregnancy, the fetus's brain is vulnerable to disruptions that may cause death, or mental disabilities and other physical developmental delays. It is incredible to know that all this goes on long before the mother even begins to have doubts about being pregnant. By the time the mother notices that she might be expecting, crucial days and weeks of brain development have passed and by when she visits her doctor for an accurate test another 2 weeks may have expired. By this time the fetus is already beginning its second or third month of development and may have been exposed to toxins like nicotine, alcohol, drugs or situations that could have exposed the fetus to some type of impairment.

Brain development in a fetus and its associated problems are still being researched. There are no specific answers to the how's and why's of brain development. However, what does not change is the wonder of a cell, an embryo that develops into a fetus, then a child and finally, an adult going through the passage of time, and physical, mental and cognitive development.


3 comments:

  1. SanJuanita

    The first month of pregnancy is very important for the fetus. Its where most of the growth of the fetus occurs. You are right, there are factors and circumstances such as drugs and alcohol or even other irresponsibilities by the mother that can disrupt this important stage of the fetus. Mothers need to be aware of the damage they are doing to their fetus. Among other things, education about pregnancy , i think, is the best way for the expecting mothers to be able to care for bodies and most importantly their future child.

    ReplyDelete
  2. San Juanita,
    You did a great job with this post. It is vital that expectant mothers or women who might suspect that they may become pregnant seek medical attention early. Avoiding all toxins is what should be done, but unfortunately in our society that does not happen. Many unborn children are exposed to harmful environments and they are the ones that pay the ultimate price for the rest of their lives. I have witnessed an expectant mother smoke and believe me it is extremely hard to hear that she actually believed that cutting down on her smoking while pregnant was all she needed to do. Great post!

    ReplyDelete
  3. SanJuanita,

    I'm glad you focused not only on chemical damage to a fetus, but also emotional issues with the mother. Usually everyone focuses only on fetal development and alcohol but you gave a more complete picture. The video was very informative and gives a unique insight into the critical period of development and what can happen in those short few weeks/months before a pregnancy might be discovered. Add in the fact that not everyone keeps track of their dates and you have a real recipe for disaster. Way to go!

    ReplyDelete