This may include anencephaly or spina bifida. вЂњThere are a number of defects along the babyвЂ™s brain and spinal cord that can occur when there is an abnormality occurring within the first weeks of brain development,вЂќ says Gaither. Healthy brain development starts before pregnancy.ДЄccording to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a healthy diet that includes folic acid, both from foods and dietary supplements, can promote a healthy nervous system. While it may feel like you have control over nothing for the next 9 months, you do have a say in the foods you eat. Gaither points out that a fetus can begin to hear during the late second trimester, and a sleep pattern emerges as the brainwaves from the developing hypothalamus become more mature.Д«y the end of the second trimester, Gaither says the fetal brain looks structurally much like the adult brain with the brain stem almost entirely developed. Remember the cerebellum or the part of the brain responsible for motor control? Well, its directing the babyвЂ™s movements, including kicking and stretching. Experts call this вЂњpractice breathingвЂќ since the brain (and more specifically, the brain stem) is directing the diaphragm and chest muscles to contract.ДЄnd donвЂ™t be surprised if you feel some kicking during this trimester. ItвЂ™s also during the second trimester that breathing movements begin as directed by the developing central nervous system. Fast-forward to 21 weeks, and Gaither says baby can swallow amniotic fluid.

One of the first notable developments, sucking and swallowing, are detectable around 16 weeks. This includes specific movements that come from the hindbrain, and more specifically, the cerebellum. These early connections allow the fetus to make its first movements.Дuring the second trimester, Gaither says the brain begins to take command of bodily functions. ItвЂ™s also during this time that neurons and synapses (connections) begin to develop in the spinal cord. The neural tube continues to grow, but around week 6 or 7, Gaither says it closes, and the cephalad portion (aka the rudimentary brain) separates into three distinct parts: front brain, midbrain, and hindbrain. вЂњThis plate elongates and folds on itself forming the neural tube - the cephalad portion of the tube becomes the brain, while the caudal portion elongates to eventually become the spinal cord,вЂќ she explains.

Within 4 weeks, the rudimentary structure known as the neural plate develops, which Gaither says is considered the precursor to the nervous system. The first trimester is a time of rapid development and separation of the various parts of the brain, according to Kecia Gaither, MD, MPH, double board certified in obstetrics and gynecology and maternal-fetal medicine, and director of perinatal services at NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln.

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