Checking the fetal brain development is essential to ensure a healthy and proper development of your baby and to detect potential issues in development. It is a complex process that depends on several factors. In this blog, the importance of prenatal tests and scans during pregnancy is essential to assess the development of the brain of the unborn baby. The best way to enhance the baby’s brain development is also recommended here.
When does a fetus develop a brain?
Fetal brain development starts at the 3 week of pregnancy. At this stage a neural tube begins to develop, which forms the brain and spinal cord. The neural tube closes about week 6. The three main parts of the brain are the forebrain, midbrain, and hindbrain.
At the end of the first trimester, some areas of the brain, like the brain stem, cerebellum, started to form.
Check fetal brain development
1. Ultrasound
i) During the first trimester
In the first trimester fetal ultrasound scan is conducted at 11 to 13 weeks of pregnancy to observe the growth and the structure of the baby’s brain. Congenital abnormalities in the brain are one of the most common issues that can be detected at an early stage of pregnancy. Malformation of the brain must essentially be detected at this stage to assess the potential risks in neurological development.
ii) During the second trimester
A fetal ultrasound scan during the second trimester, which is done between 18 to 23 weeks of pregnancy, is essential to detect major fetal anomalies. Early detection is necessary to take appropriate steps by the doctors. At this stage, assessment of the circumference of the baby’s head can be measured, and the size, shape, and integrity of the skull can be assessed through the fetal ultrasound. The Cerebellum is also evaluated to ensure a natural development of the brain.
iii) During the third trimester
Through the third trimester, fetal ultrasound visualizes the shape and size of the head. To detect any abnormalities, the development in the outer layer of the brain is being assessed. At this stage of pregnancy, the Cerebellum is the fastest-developing part of the brain, which can be evaluated through ultrasound.
2. Fetal MRI
Fetal MRI is a safe as well as effective way to check the brain development and also to detect issues in the developing brain. Fetal MRI can provide a detailed evaluation of the fetal brain development better than an ultrasound. It can detect any risk or abnormality in the baby’s brain development that an ultrasound can not capture. The abnormalities, such as Corticelle development malformation, can be assessed through fetal MRI.
Fetal MRI provides a clear image of the liver, kidney, and bowel. It is helpful to assess the condition, such as bowel obstruction and cloacal anomalies.
3. Neurosonography
Neurosonography facilitates the real-time assessment of the structure and function of the baby’s brain by providing a real-time image of the baby.
This non-invasive and safe screening is recommended to diagnose congenital abnormalities, brain tumors, and vascular issues.
4. Transcranial Doppler ultrasound
Fetal Transcranial Doppler (TCD) ultrasound is essential to assess the blood flow in the brain of the baby in the womb, especially in high-risk pregnancies. This ultrasound helps to detect any abnormality, such as intrauterine growth restriction(IUGR) and fetal anemia. By evaluating blood flow, the placental abnormalities can also be detected.
Read more: What to Eat: Best Foods for Baby Brain Development During Pregnancy
How to support a baby’s brain development?
The journey of Pregnancy combines hope and anxiety, and each mother becomes conscious about the health of the growing fetus. Here, a list of essential items has been provided to support fetal brain development:
- During the first trimester, your health care provider will prescribe about 600 mg folate, and in the second and third trimesters it is reduced to around 400 mg. This vitamin helps in the growth of the brain and spinal development. Whole grains, leafy vegetables, and flaxseed are natural sources of folate.
- Omega-3 fatty acids are one of the most essential nutrients for fetal brain development. You need to consume walnuts, avocados, nut butter, and some fatty fish such as Salmon to get Omega-3 naturally. Omega-3 is a structural fat present in the eyes, brain, and nervous system, and it contributes to the development of the neural pathway. This nutrient helps to create connections in the different parts of the brain.
- A balanced diet, as well as plenty of water, is necessary for the proper development of the baby’s brain.
- Managing your stress during pregnancy is an essential factor for the baby’s brain development. Daily exercise can be an effective way to reduce stress and anxiety.
Fetal Imaging Institute is one of the most renowned fetal maternal clinics in Rathtala, Belghoria, Kolkata offers a dedicated service for prenatal care. We are renowned for the proper evaluation as well as care of the growing fetus. Our team of expert radiologists and obstetricians is well-experienced to handle high-risk pregnancies. We can facilitate 3D and 4D ultrasound scans to assess the development of your baby in the womb.
Conclusion
Ensuring the baby’s healthy brain development is a crucial factor in pregnancy, as it impacts the overall growth of the baby. Consuming a balanced diet is essential to get the necessary nutrients, such as Omega-3 fatty acids and Folate, that help in the growth of the baby’s brain. Fetal ultrasound is one of the best ways to assess brain development and also to detect potential abnormalities in brain development. Transcranial Doppler ultrasound and Neurosonography are one of the safest and non-invasive techniques to evaluate the brain development of an unborn baby. Fetal MRI is also important to ensure the natural growth of the baby’s brain during pregnancy.
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