Connect My Brain

137. How your health during pregnancy shapes your baby's brain development


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Let me share some fascinating insights about how a mother's health during pregnancy affects her baby's brain development. The connection between our immune system and our baby's developing brain is truly remarkable.

Think of the immune system during pregnancy as a blueprint for baby's brain development. Whether dealing with a virus like COVID-19, managing an old infection like mono, or experiencing high levels of stress, it all impacts how the brain develops. The fascinating part? The baby doesn't even need to get sick - just the mother's immune response can influence brain development patterns.

When explaining brain development to parents, comparing it to gardening helps make it clear. The brain starts with abundant neural connections and naturally trims away the unnecessary ones, keeping the vital pathways. The vestibular system in the inner ear plays a crucial role too, affecting everything from movement to emotional processing.

Many parents are surprised to learn just how significant stress during pregnancy can be. High stress levels can affect how a baby's brain develops, potentially impacting movement, thinking, and language skills. This isn't about creating guilt - it's about understanding how to support healthier pregnancies.

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Connect My BrainBy Dr. Laura Hanson

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