Mental development begins while in the womb, and in the period until birth and in the first 5 years, our anatomical and mental structure, skills, and social characteristics that will affect us throughout our lives are shaped. In particular, the nervous system development, which begins in the 4th week of the formation of pregnancy, completes the basic differentiation by the 10th week, and after this period the building is built on these structures. While basic developmental deficiencies leave very serious consequences, later disorders are less obvious but may cause some deficits in intelligence and intellectual functions. Some studies show that some diseases that occur in the 30s and 40s may occur as a result of structural developmental deficiencies triggered by some factors that we do not care about at all during this period. With the developments and successes in the fields of diagnosis and treatment in medicine and the decrease in such diseases, the social capacity of children in their later life, such as intellectual development, is now mentioned and comes to the fore.
Pregnancy is a difficult process for every woman, it carries some risks for both mother and baby, but it is a very desirable process. The risk is the first 4-6 weeks of this period, when the mother does not know whether she is pregnant yet, and it is actually the most dangerous period. Because the expectant mother will spend the first 15 days of pregnancy without realizing it, and when she arrives at the expected menstrual date, she will wait for the next menstrual date, sometimes considered as a slight bleeding, perhaps irregularities in between, or a special delay for a time. If there is a delay in the next date, then the first 6 weeks, which are very important for the development of all organs and the entire nervous system, will have been exceeded.
These early stages of pregnancy are both the development of all organs and the beginning of brain and nerve development from the 4th week. Medications used in this time, nutritional status, physical and mental health of the mother will affect the baby and may play a decisive role in his later life. In addition to the importance of balanced nutrition in terms of brain and nervous system development, it is necessary to mention Folic acid, which has been proven and can cause insufficiency in organ and tissue development and permanent disability (such as hydrocephalus, spinal cord development disorders) in its deficiency. This vitamin is necessary for the development of a healthy nervous system, but it is not sufficient on its own. This substance is found naturally in fresh vegetables, fruits, potatoes, legumes, whole grains and dairy products. Folic acid is beneficial for all women who want to become pregnant and have just become pregnant, and it would be wise to start taking extra folic acid before becoming pregnant. For example, when you stop using the birth control pill because you want to get pregnant, you can start taking folic acid tablets at the same time.
It is not always possible to predict the exact day of successful fertilization. But what you need to consider is that it is very appropriate to start using a balanced diet and folic acid at least four weeks before fertilization. Thus, we ensure that enough folic acid (especially the first 4 weeks after fertilization), which is important for the development of the unborn child, is present in your body in sufficient quantities. It is helpful to continue taking folic acid even if you do not manage to get pregnant right away. A balanced diet during pregnancy is not only about taking certain vitamins and minerals, but also a balanced diet with both protein and energy and fresh vegetables and fruits. Without being too picky about this, a diet consisting of natural foods as much as possible will be sufficient with the necessary supplements.
Physiologically, this period is a period when the mother’s body limits are pushed to the fullest, her metabolism, hormonal and spiritual balance is completely changed, her needs are greatly increased and she needs all kinds of mental and physical support. All kinds of support and help you give to the mother will actually come back to you as the health of the mother and your baby. On the other hand, the fetus tends to obtain everything it needs from the mother, even if it is inadequate or even harmful to the mother, and will try to secure itself in this way. In this period, the mother’s inner peace, regular physical activities that are not too heavy but not completely inactive will positively affect the health of the mother during the birth and the health of her child afterwards. These exercises can be in the form of walks in a quiet environment for half to one hour daily, swimming if possible, or appropriate exercise programs in the gym. Studies have shown that in the last 3 months, the baby in the mother’s womb is aware of the external environment, can distinguish and react to the sounds, touches, and mental states of the mother and father. In this period, it is thought that inner peace, happiness, calmness, even the music that the mother listens can be effective in the child’s spiritual and intelligence development.
In summary, a balanced diet with vitamin and mineral support, which starts before pregnancy and is continued under the supervision of a doctor during pregnancy, a relaxed mood in a calm and calm environment, moderate physical activity and social activities that the mother will like can cause any anatomical disability of the baby. It will contribute positively to the development of the brain and nervous system, as well as to the development of intelligence and social structure. Maintaining this environment in the postpartum period and giving breast milk as long as possible will positively affect this development process
