Step By Step Guide To Brain Development In Babies
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by: fairybaby
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The cells in a baby's brain begin forming at the end of the third week after conception. In the fifth week, the first synapses (connections) have already begun forming between neurons (brain cells). A week later, these connections make the fetus' very first movements possible, as he flexes his entire body. At 8 weeks the fetus can already move his limbs; at 10, his fingers.
At around 12 weeks' gestation, brain development in babies really goes into overdrive. Neurons begin multiplying first at a rate of 250,000 per minute, and then at 500,000 cells per minute. This furious rate of multiplication continues for the next 8 weeks. The brain has now attained a critical mass, and requires no more cells.
It is at this point that the reverse process occurs: the brain begins getting rid of cells. Specifically, neurons that are inactive are targeted for destruction. Beginning in the seventh month, this is a task of epic proportions. Indeed, according to experts on brain development in babies, a staggering 40 to 75 percent of cells are weeded out by the end of the eighth month in a process known as neural pruning.
As the child's birthday approaches, synapses related to the functioning of her five senses are constantly developing. The baby's sense of taste is taking shape by the 12th week. Her ears become structurally complete at around 24 weeks. Her eyes open - and begin blinking - in week 26. The baby's sense of touch, first activated towards the end of week 7, spreads from the cheeks to the genitals (10 weeks), and to the palms (11 weeks), the soles of the feet (12 weeks), and the abdomen and buttocks (17 weeks). By 32 weeks, just about every part of the baby's body is sensitive to temperature, pressure and pain.
From a single cell at the moment of conception, the baby is now a fully formed human being whose brain contains a staggering 200 billion cells. Neurologically speaking, the fetus at 32 weeks is very similar to a full-term baby at 40 weeks. The most important thing to occur during the final 8 weeks in the womb is the maturation of the lungs. Incredibly, the real process of brain development has taken just seven months to complete!
The next time someone marvels about the miracle of birth, perhaps it wouldn't hurt to remind them of the other, neurological miracles - completed two months before the mother and father meet their baby for the first time.
About the Author
M.F. Patrick is a writer at BrillBaby.com
To learn more about brain development in babies and how the best time to learn for your child is from age 0-3. Please visit http://www.BrillBaby.com.
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