Provided by ICPA.
Your Baby’s Movements are Building Their Brain—Literally
From the moment your baby enters the world, its tiny movements—those automatic kicks, stretches, and grips—aren’t just adorable; they serve a larger purpose. They are critical neurological building blocks that lay the foundation for lifelong development. But did you know it starts even earlier than their birthday? It starts in the womb.
By the third week of pregnancy, your baby has already formed the basic shape and structure of their brain and spinal cord. Not only are these structures formed, but they’re also performing important tasks for future brain development. Primitive reflexes are automatic, innate movements that babies develop in the womb to help them adapt to the world.
These primitive reflexes aren’t random reactions. They are precisely wired programs within the nervous system, helping to create the neural connections that will shape everything from reading and writing skills to emotional regulation and physical coordination. It’s further evidence of the innate intelligence of the mother-baby connection.
Labor and birth are a baby’s first major workout. The twists, turns, and movements they make during delivery are essential in activating their nervous system and building neural pathways.