Mother and father candidates are experiencing the excitement of the day when they will hold their babies in their arms throughout the pregnancy process. In addition to this sweet excitement, the worries about whether their baby will come into the world healthy or not continue until birth. Like other organs, babies’ brain development begins in the womb.
The first months of pregnancy are very important
The most important period of brain and nerve development of the baby in the womb is between the 4th and 10th weeks. At the beginning of this period, the expectant mother may not be aware of her pregnancy. In this critical period of time when the baby’s brain and nervous system development, along with other organs, take place, the drugs used by the mother, nutritional status and mental health are very important.
The best protective folic acid
Although the development of the baby’s brain and nervous system starts in the first months of pregnancy, it continues throughout the pregnancy. Every condition, from the genetic condition of the parents to the birth, can affect the neural and physical development of the baby. Folic acid, which is used before and during pregnancy, is known as the best vitamin that protects the baby from possible brain diseases and spinal cord disorders. In folic acid deficiency, organ and tissue development may be insufficient. It can even cause disorders such as hydrocephalus or spinal cord development disorders. If the pregnancy is planned, it is more beneficial to start taking folic acid beforehand. Thus, it is ensured that folic acid, which is necessary for the development of the baby, is present in the mother’s body in sufficient quantities. It should not be forgotten that folic acid, which is vital in pregnancy, should be used in cases and rates recommended by physicians.
Do not neglect your nutrition
Folic acid alone is not sufficient for the development of the baby during pregnancy. In addition, it is necessary to pay attention to a healthy and varied diet and water intake. The intake of only certain vitamins and minerals should not be considered sufficient. Consuming protein and energy-containing foods and fresh fruits and vegetables is important for the healthy development of the baby. In addition to these, gentle exercises and mood are among the important factors in the development of the baby’s brain. In these matters, help should be sought from gynecologists and obstetricians.
Brain development can be followed with tests
All tests during pregnancy provide information about the baby’s nervous system and brain. A healthy progression of pregnancy is very important for the normal development of the nervous system. The most important issue here is that there is no hereditary disease in the baby. Regarding this, blood tests and ultrasounds during pregnancy are important. 11-14 days of pregnancy. Double and 16-18 weeks. Triple tests performed at week 2 are important in terms of indicating the risk of the baby carrying a possible genetic problem. If a risky situation is observed in the results to be obtained here, different tests can be performed. Fetal DNA analysis, which has been on the agenda recently, is one of the tests mentioned in this regard. It is a test that analyzes the baby’s DNA that passes into the mother’s blood. In addition, the results of amniocentesis, choriocentesis and chorioc villus biopsy, in which the genetic structure of the baby is removed, provide direct and important information about brain development.
Risk status can be detected by MRI
Ultrasound imaging performed during pregnancy follow-up gives very important information for the baby’s nerve and brain development. It is important for determining the basic structure of the brain and the width of the ventricles in the brain called ventricles. In addition, spinal integrity can be determined with a small margin of error by ultrasound imaging. 21-22 days of pregnancy. Detailed USG performed in the 2nd week shows the neural development of the baby. If there is a suspicion that there is a problem in the child in risky pregnancies, MRI can be performed during pregnancy. This shows the neural development of the baby more clearly. However, MRI is beneficial for suitable patients if it is performed under appropriate conditions.
Early surgical intervention for brain diseases is life-saving
Considering that there may be a problem in the neural development of the baby, it is necessary to inform the family about the problems that may be encountered. If the baby is to be evaluated and corrective surgical treatment planned immediately after birth, the benefits and risks should be explained to the family. Hydrocephalus, which is defined as birth with a sac originating from the spinal cord (meningocele, meningomyelocele) and the development of water ventricles in the brain, are the most common nervous system problems in infants. It is possible to solve these problems surgically, but it is necessary to follow the patients closely. Repeated surgeries may be required. In babies born with a sac, the sacs are closed in the first stage, and additional surgical corrections are required for the spine or tense spinal cord in the future. In patients with hydrocephalus, shunt surgery is required, in which the excess water in the brain is transferred to the abdominal cavity with thin soft hoses. It should be known that the treatments to be done are case specific and a different method can be chosen for each patient.
