As soon as you conceive, the brain of your baby begins to develop, and at birth, it has already developed into a complicated system of more than 99 billion neurons. The development of the fetal brain informs parents on the correct choices to make regarding their health, environment and lifestyle. At Femmenest, a leading fertility clinic in Delhi, our team of good gynaecologists in East Delhi believes that informed care during pregnancy empowers healthier outcomes for both mom and baby.

So, how does the brain of your baby grow, and what can you do to nurture this wonderful thing?

1. Brain Development Starts Early

The neural tube, which is the brain and spinal cord of your baby, starts to develop after only three weeks of conception. That is why, even before pregnancy, folic acid supplements are recommended. Folic acid taken daily in 400-600 mcg lowers the chances of neural tube defects such as spina bifida.

2. First Trimester: The Foundation is Laid

By the end of the first trimester (week 12), your baby’s basic brain structures—forebrain, midbrain, and hindbrain—are in place. These regions control thought, feeling, action and essential processes. It is at this time that reflexes start to develop.

Your Role: Remain regular on prenatal checkups, abstinence from alcohol and tobacco and use of prescribed prenatal vitamins.

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3. Nutrition Plays a Central Role

Nutrients like DHA (omega-3 fatty acid), iron, zinc, choline, and iodine directly support fetal brain growth. DHA develops the structure of the baby's brain, and iron aids in delivering oxygen to the cells of the brain.

Foods to consume in your diet:

• Omega-3: walnuts, flaxseeds and fatty fish
• Eggs and leafy greens to get iron and choline
• Thyroid activity and brain metabolism iodised salt

4. Baby Hears Your Voice by Week 18–20

At about the 20th week, your unborn baby can hear noises both inside and outside the mother's womb. Singing, talking or reading aloud will make your baby learn to recognise your voice and start early processing of language.

Tip: Play soft music or talk gently to your baby—it stimulates early auditory brain development.

5. Movement Enhances Brain Mapping

When the baby moves and kicks, motor cortex connections are stimulated, literally firing the brain circuitry located in the part of the brain that governs movement. That is why fetal movement does not only mean that something is alive, but that it is in the process of development.

6. Avoid Environmental Toxins

Brain formation can be damaged by exposure to toxic substances such as alcohol, nicotine, or some medications and air pollution.

What not to do:

• Unprescribed medications
• Cigarettes and alcohol
• High-mercury fish
• BPA-containing plastics

Never stop or initiate any medication without consulting your gynaecologist during pregnancy.

7. Brain Growth Accelerates in the Third Trimester

The brain of your baby triples in the final trimester. Neural networks form rapidly, and the brain begins to fold (gyri and sulci), enabling more complex processing.

What you can do: Keep consuming nutrient-rich foods, drink water, and have a healthy mental condition to help your child with brain development.

8. Cortisol and Stress Affect the Fetal Brain

Too much maternal stress can also increase the levels of cortisol, which can affect the development of the baby's brain, especially the emotional and behavioural centres.

Control the stress by:

• Prenatal yoga
• Meditation
• Regular sleep
• Talking to a counsellor or support group

9. Sleep and Rest for You Means Growth for Baby

Sleep helps your body to be renewed and your baby to develop. In deep sleep, the level of growth hormone stimulates the healthy growth of the organs of the fetus, including the brain.

Between 7 and 9 hours of relaxing sleep and not being overstimulated at night.

10. Monitoring and Expert Care Make a Difference

In Femmenest, our experienced gynaecologists at East Delhi perform routine ultrasound and fetal growth assessment to make sure that the brain and body of your baby are growing normally. As a top fertility clinic in Delhi, we integrate science with compassion to guide you every step of the way.

Final Thoughts

The baby brain is not only developing but also learning, sensing and connecting. The food you put in your mouth, the sleep you have and the stress you alleviate are all contributing to the future of your child.

Please put your trust in Femmenest and trust us to support you during your pregnancy in the best possible way. Whether you are pregnant or intend to be, visit our team today so that you can provide your baby with the best start in life.