Growing A Smart Fetus

Dear Classic Mom Diary:

One of the most important aspects of being a parent is having the responsibility of teaching your child the mandatory skills to grow and succeed in life. Typically, we hope our children will continue carrying this thirst for knowledge throughout their life, as this is generally what helps raise people from surviving to thriving and successful. As parents, we have the incredible opportunity for customizing these lessons and delivering them to our children in ways that they will efficiently grasp the knowledge and want to continue learning more. 

When it comes to teaching our growing babies, toddlers, and children, there are an incredible number of research papers and resources available to you. As much as we'd maybe like to, however, we cannot do much in way of teaching a child who has yet to be born. If you're like me, though, you're already questioning and researching the ways you can include learning into your daily lives to encourage continual growth and development in your baby. This is important, in my opinion, as the sooner we look into these matters, the sooner we can develop an opinion, and ultimately decide what position we would like to take when teaching different lessons to our children. We can also develop a wide range of background knowledge on these topics, to ensure that we have a variety of ways we can deliver each individual lesson, so that our children can confidently grasp these news concepts.

While I have no advice on how you can teach your unborn baby to walk, talk, dance, or play guitar, I do have something for you. Below, I have a list of 6 important factors in helping promote healthy brain and baby growth in the womb. Although we may not be directly teaching anything through this, we are encouraging a healthy foundation for all of our later lessons to be delivered to. Please note that I am not a medical physician, and I strongly advise you take the information you find below and elsewhere on the internet and always receive a second opinion from your doctor, to confirm that each method is safe for your unique pregnancy. (Not all women are the same, remember!)

1. Take Your Prenatal Vitamins

When choosing a prenatal vitamin, it is best to visit your local health store to receive the most accurate advice. While pharmacies are ideal, you can also find stores that are holistic health stores, and they will provide you with the best natural ways to receive the necessary amounts of each of the nutrients that are crucial to the healthy development of your little one. Not only do prenatal vitamins have zinc which is magnificent for healthy brain development, but they also include other substances such as folic acid which is thought to help minimize the risk of spina bifida and other birth defects.

2. Get Omega-3s with DHA

Omega-3 is excellent for pregnancy, but you can take it a step further and get Omega-3 with DHA for an even larger impact. Omega-3 is thought to have an incredible impact on the brains ability to function efficiently, as well as supporting overall healthy brain development. DHA, or Docosahexaeonic Acid, is thought to promote healthy brain development and protect neurological function. 

While you can also consume Omega-3 through fish, it is a good idea that you consult your doctor to discover which fish are safe for your pregnancy. In general, it is recommended that you avoid certain fish due to their potentially toxic levels of mercury contamination. These fish can include: shark, tilefish, king mackerel, tuna and swordfish. Some fish that are less likely to have toxic levels of contamination may be: salmon, catfish, pollack, whitefish, tilapia, and shrimp. You should not consume more than about 12 oz of fish per week. Make sure you consult your doctor (or prenatal health practitioner) for a thorough list of what's safe and not safe to eat during pregnancy.

3. Snack On Fruit and Veggies

It isn't news that fruits and vegetables are necessary elements of a healthy diet. They're also excellent tools for pumping antioxidants into your body during pregnancy. The same antioxidants that help protect baby's brain tissue from damage. It is best to choose deep-colored fruits and vegetables to receive the highest amounts of antioxidants (such as: dark leafy greens, papaya, blueberries, and tomatoes.) They also contain a variety of other nutrients that are important to the rest of your babies developing body and organs!

4. If You Haven't, Quit Drinking

Alcohol is a substance that should be kicked to the side during pregnancy and breast feeding. While Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is not typically a concern unless heavy drinking is involved, alcohol can still impose a threat to the health of your babies brain. Even when consumed in moderation, alcohol has been known to promote problems with learning, attention, memory, and social skills later in life. While I have heard from some ladies that their doctors have recommended a glass of red wine a day, I would strongly encourage you to get a second opinion on this subject. I am not a physician and am not attempting to go against the words of your doctor, especially since I do not know the reasoning behind giving this advice, but it may be beneficial to get a different perspective in case there is a healthier way of delivering the same benefits to your fetus. 

5. Can I get Protein with that, Please? 

During pregnancy, your protein intake must jump by 10 extra grams per day. This is because it helps in building cells and making hormones for your growing baby. Improving health of cell production ultimately includes improving brain health, too! Some excellent protein boosters include: a yogurt smoothie, a cup of bean soup, peanut butter on whole wheat bread, chicken, or lean beef.

6. Increase Your Iron Intake

Iron is an important element of your blood, and during pregnancy you can have up to 50% more blood coursing through your body - that's a lot! With all that extra, it's important that you're getting enough iron to carry the oxygen through your bloodstream. Generally, your doctor will screen your iron levels for anemia. This is done through a blood sample, where they also test a few other things to make sure you're in good shape! Your doctor will recommend a healthy amount of iron for you to add to your diet, although typically this can be found right in your prenatal vitamin. You can also enhance your intake by including in your diet iron-rich foods such as: lean beef, chicken, and legumes.