Your baby’s brain starts developing almost at the moment of conception, according to the Long Island Spectrum Center website. By the time you are three weeks pregnant, the developing embryo has formed a neural groove, which is the foundation for the brain structure. By the time your baby is born, her brain will have over 100 billion neurons.
First Trimester
The brain grows at a remarkably rapid rate. By the end of the third week of gestation, the embryo has formed the three parts of the brain (the forebrain, midbrain and hindbrain). One week later, the brain begins functioning. At this point, the brain busily begins to work on the placement of all the major organs and systems. By the end of the eighth week of pregnancy, all of the major organs are in place, according to the Long Island Spectrum Center website.
Second and Third Trimester
By the start of the second trimester of pregnancy, all of the major structures of the brain are in place and functioning. From this point forward, the brain and major organs continue to develop and mature. The brain connects to all parts of the body during this time, and the connections are complete by the seventh month, in a process known as synaptogenesis. The brain is also making other connections: Rapid brain and head growth occurs during the eighth month. According to ABC News, babies in the womb are known to be able to recognize their mother’s voice at this point.
Aggregation
As the brain is formed, cells are being placed precisely where they need to go in a process called aggregation. As the fetal brain develops, cells are organized in proper directions and layers, but sometimes this process goes awry. Abnormal cell aggregation in the brain can be caused by genetic or external factors such as poor maternal health habits such as drinking alcohol or using drugs. In addition, studies show that chronic stress in the mother-to-be can affect the brain development of the baby, according to Quantum Parenting.
