Nutrition & Fetal Brain Development
Consumption of a variety of healthy foods full of nutrients by an expectant mother is important for the proper development of the fetal brain. Deficiencies in certain vitamins and/or minerals can have significant negative effects on the brain development of an unborn child.
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The Importance of Folic Acid in Pregnancy
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According to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, folic acid is a nutrient that plays an important role in fetal brain development. If a pregnant woman does not have enough folic acid in her system during the first six weeks of pregnancy, she is at risk of having a baby with a neural tube defect such as spina bifida. Doctors recommend that women begin taking vitamin supplements when they are trying to conceive or as soon as they find out they are pregnant.
Zinc and Folic Acid During Pregnancy
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Studies have shown that in addition to a generous folic acid intake, zinc may also help prevent neural tube defects if consumed during pregnancy. It is believed that zinc may help a pregnant woman's body absorb folic acid more efficiently, thus allowing her to get the most benefit from the nutrient.
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Harmful Effects of Iodine Deficiency in Pregnancy
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Iodine is a key nutrient that helps assist in proper brain development of a fetus. An iodine deficiency during pregnancy can lead to a baby being born with mental retardation or cerebral palsy. Iodine is most easily found in iodized salt, though women also need to remember to not consume too much sodium during pregnancy.
Importance of DHA on Fetal Brain Development
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According to Pregnancy and Baby, consuming the omega-3 fatty acid DHA during pregnancy can have positive effects on the brain development of a fetus. Babies born to mothers who made an effort to consume extra amounts of DHA during pregnancy scored higher on IQ tests and had longer attention spans. DHA is generally not found in most prenatal vitamins, but may be purchased as a supplement. DHA is also now being added to common foods such as eggs, yogurt, certain types of fish and special brands of margarine.
Negative Effects of Alcohol on Fetal Brain Development
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According to the National Scientific Council on the Developing Child, there is no amount of alcohol a woman can safely consume during pregnancy. Even small amounts of alcohol early in the pregnancy can have negative effects on the fetus. Alcohol actually slows down the rate at which the brain of a fetus develops. This can lead to a number of cognitive problems for the child later in life. Women who consume large amounts of alcohol during pregnancy may have children born with a condition known as fetal alcohol syndrome. Babies born with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome have irreversible cognitive and neurological problems.
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References
- Photo Credit Julie D. Ackendorf
