Fetal Brain Activity

It is very interesting to know what happens in our body. How do those small little tiny hands, grow big; that small brain increases in size and those little pants do not fit us anymore, due to our height. We are born, go through childhood, get older and eventually die. This is the course every human follows. But, have you ever wondered how exactly the transformation takes place. How does the brain develop and when does the brain complete its growth? If you are curious about knowing all this, you will find detailed information about the fetal brain development through the various weeks in this article. To begin with, let me brief you about the activity during the first 4 weeks. During the first 4 weeks the implantation process is performed and the embryo will begin to form. After 4 weeks starts the real development of brain. What follows next is the fetus brain activity timeline.

Fetal Brain Development

At 4th Week
During this time the heart, brain and the spinal cord begin to form. The head occupies more than half of the embryo's length and the brain starts to develop into 5 areas. Although the tissue and bone formation is weak, having a lot of gap between them, which obviously fills up over a period of time.

At 8th Week
Just before or during the 8th week fetus develops its first sensitivity to touch, which is considered the first activity of the fetus' brain. It is also possible to measure the brain waves of the fetus. During this time the fetus reacts to loud noises, eats, drinks and excretes waste. The fetus may also hiccup and is able to flex his toes or fingers.

At 12th Week
During this period the brain is almost completely formed and the nervous system too. Fetus can feel pain and also cries silently. Other organs of the body are also seen taking shape. In fact, during the 12th week, a mother-to-be usually experiences the fetus' small kicks against the womb.

At 20th Week
During this time the brain develops rapidly and is more active. The fetus is capable of making his first voluntary muscle movement. The most amazing thing is, during the 20th week the fetus can respond and recognize its mother's voice! The sex organs are also fully developed and identification of gender is possible. Although there is still room for development of the fetus, but it can survive if born during the 20th week.

At 30th Week
The rapidly developing brain controls most of the body functions now. The fetus can inhale and exhale. It also develops taste buds and can suck its finger or thumb. It normally changes its position, it drops its head down to the pelvic cavity and is almost ready for its delivery, awaiting its birth.

31-40 Weeks
After the 30th week usually the fetus stops growing, the brain, heart and the digestive tract are almost developed now. Although the bones and the gaps between the tissues are not fully developed, they will develop only 6 months after birth. 38th or 40th week marks the end of gestational period, it is the time for the baby to detach from the uterus and breathe his first breath in the air!

This is not all, the brain of the newborn completes its growth and structure by the age of 3. That doesn't mean the brain stops growing after that, the brain neurons are rewired and developed as the child nourishes it with acquired knowledge. In reality, the brain stops growing at the age of 18 and interestingly teenage is the time, when the brain undergoes a growth spurt, the reason why many teens have unreasonable mood swings!

Well this was all about the fetus brain activity, I am sure it was interesting for you to read just as it was for me to jot it all down. It is amazing to learn about the various changes our body is put through! Amazing indeed.