The Central Nervous System ( Cns ) Development

A significant element in a child’s life is a relationship with their parent and central to this is the aspect of infant-mother bond (Cook, 1999). Parents play a critical role in modeling the adult lives of their children. A research on early brain development revealed that early intervention of warm and receptive care given to children is critical for their growth. It is vital to encourage and offer optimum care for the young children. The way a child is nurtured is a factor in their early brain development. Positive nurturing care and love towards children in their infanthood up to around 6 years results in a positive brain growth (Tribble, 2012). With both parents working, adverse effects on child development may be experienced. Children

In Canada, a clinical study by De Wals et al was performed to assess whether or not folic acid fortification has an effect on the recurrence of NTDs (neural tube defects), especially on upper and lower birth defects called spina bifida (De Wals et al., 2008). The study was performed in three different regions in Canada: the eastern, western and central provinces (De Wals et al., 2008). Furthermore, the population of the study was conducted on three different types of births which were livebirths, stillbirths, and termination of pregnancies, and the study was carried out through three periods included prefortification, partial fortification and full fortifications (De Wals et al., 2008). The researchers followed the scientific investigation

Deficiency of the micronutrient folate continues to significantly affect the health of pregnant women and their children, globally. A great cause of concern with folate deficiency is the occurrence of Neural Tube Defects (NTDs) in new-born babies due to abnormal early foetal development. According to Greene et al. (2016), NTDs are abnormalities to the formation of the brain, spinal cord or related structures from early foetal development. The rate of the prevalence of NTDs varies between countries from 0.3 to 199.4 cases per 10,000 births. In Australia specifically, approximately 19.5 cases of NTDs occurred per 10,000 cases between 2009 and 2010 (Zaganjoy et al.,

A common teratogen that causes problems in pregnancy is the use of methamphetamine, a stimulant that affects a person’s central nervous system, by the potential father or mother. Research on methamphetamine abuse among pregnant women is in progress and has been for several years, but the exact effects of prenatal exposure to this drug are still actually limited. It is common for a child of a mother who used meth during pregnancy to have brain development problems. The National Institute on Drug Abuse(NIDA), (2013) informs us that there have been only small samples of pregnant women researched for only using methamphetamine, therefore, the results are limited to knowing that “neurobehavioral problems such

A birth defect is preventable if the mother would take folic acid prior of becoming pregnant (U.S. Department of Health and Services, 2016). These reduce the chances of having a defect by 50-70% for neural tube defects. Some recommendations such as having a healthy weight, not to use illegal drugs, getting vaccinated, taking prenatal and or during pregnancy vitamins, having recommended screening test, controlling

Within the foetus, embryonic nerve cells grow exponentially, then migrate to their destinations and develop into a vast collection of distinctive neuronal cell categories unique to their specific function. In prearranged patterns, the cells later form networks with other brain cells. The metabolic process of alcohol instigates makes the cells vulnerable to cell damage by free radicals (harmful substances). Research has suggested that “free radical damage can kill sensitive populations of brain cells at critical times of development in the first trimester of pregnancy (Cartwright, M.M).” Additional experiments have suggested that the third trimester is a particularly susceptible stage for damage to brain cells linked to FASD. The metabolic breakdown of alcohol interferes with brain development through the alteration of the function or production of natural regulatory substances that assist in the promotion of the differentiation and orderly growth of

We need to supplement minimum 400 microgram folic acid before and during pregnancy to prevent major birth defects of the baby’s brain and spine called neural tube defects. Dietary sources are fortified cereals, leafy green vegetables, citrus fruits, dried

According to this chart, more than half of the babies born during this experiment were born with neural tube defects. This result was skewed because all but three of the babies born to the group that did not take folic acid until after conception were born with

The significance of ɳ-3 fats in neural development and function can be shown through the development of brains in infants. These fats are vital to the formation of the brain’s architecture since all neurons are formed before birth (Tribole 83). Before birth, all of the ɳ-3 that the baby accumulates is

By the end of the twelfth week the baby measures almost 90mm and weighs 45g. The baby's face, develops narrower; the eyes are closed for protection from about 10 weeks until the sixth month. Female or male is now obvious. In reaction to a touch on the sole of his foot he will curl his toes or bend his hips and knees to move away. At 12 weeks he can close his fingers and thumb and he will open his mouth in response to pressure applied at the base of his thumb.

The recommended intake of folate (B9) is 400 micrograms (µg) in dietary folate equivalents (DFEs). My average consumption was well over that target. In the average of three days, I received 1148 µg DFE. Even though there is no evidence suggesting that an ample dose of naturally occurring folate presents any risks of toxicity, there is an upper limit in place of 1000 µg a day. Long term consequences of a folate rich diet include a difficulty in detecting a vitamin B12 deficiency and a decreased risk of having a newborn with spina bifida or anencephaly. Large intakes of folate alleviate symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiencies but can also obscure it. The majority of my folate intake came from breakfast cereal (contributing to 70% of my intake).

Folic Acid is a B vitamin, specifically B9. It is an essential nutrient required by the body to create healthy new cells. While we hear about it mostly in regards to pregnancy, it is important to understand that the need for folic acid goes even beyond this. Folic acid is essential for the body to create red blood cells which in turn prevents anemia. It is also plays an important role in the metabolism of homocysteine, an amino acid.

In Australia, the reasonableness and effectiveness of folic acid being mandatorily fortified to support healthy pregnancy when considering the occurrence of NTDS in Australian children due to the amount their mothers have consumed of folic acid during pregnancy. The main purpose for creating a mandatory policy to include folic acid to the wheat flour of non-organic bread in Australia is to reduce the incidence of NTDs across the nation. Substantial rates of NTDs occur worldwide as significantly more folate is needed early in pregnancy than in other life stages. This early stage of pregnancy is often when women are unaware that they are pregnant. The folate is required for the development of the embryonic neural tube, which develops into

In pregnancy the body needs to produce cells to help with the development and nourishment of the growing fetus; it also helps to make red blood cells . During pregnancy, risks can be associated with toxaemia, premature birth and haemorrhaging if there is no folic acid in the diet (Youngson, 2005). Folic acid contributes to several major biological processes and these include the combination of RNA, DNA and proteins. It is needed to help with the repair and replication of DNA and the maintenance of the genome and it is also involved in the regulation of gene expression (Hendler & Rorvik, 2008).

Brain development in the first two years is the most important and critical. Maria Montessori referred to this time as of the "absorbent mind" Early brain development is the frame work for the road ahead. When and how the brain develops in the first two years will play a critical role into adulthood. At birth, the brain is the only incomplete organ. The brain will continue to grow through childhood and adolescents.