3rd Trimester: Baby Brain

Big news this week! The Seahorse’s brain gain is growing and growing. Until now, the surface of our baby’s brain was smooth. Now, at 30 weeks gestation, the brain is taking on those characteristic grooves and indentations. Those wrinkles allow for an increased amount of brain tissue  — a necessary change as our developing baby prepares for life outside of its cocoon. Another big change at 30 weeks is that the Seahorse’s bone marrow has taken over production of red blood cells (before, tissue groups and then the spleen took care of producing the blood cells). This is such a big milestone, as it means that there is a remarkably high expectation that the wee critter can thrive if born now.

Eating to make some brains - Seychelles 2013

Eating to make some brains – Seychelles 2013

As you would suspect my sole purpose these days is the nourishment and safety of the Seahorse and with that in mind, I have been eating for the nation. Yoghurts, fruits and veges, fish and seafood, olives, whole grains and nuts. Erroll is my greatest cheerleader, encouraging me to eat heartily and choose sensibly.

As the baby’s brain cells and red blood cells multiply, the soft, downy hair covering its body (lanugo) is beginning to disappear now. Why? Because both fat and the brain are regulating our baby’s body temperature. Fattening up our little Seahorse, that’s what we are all about these days!

Seahorse's daddy encouraging me to 'eat up' - Seychelles 2013

Seahorse’s daddy encouraging me to ‘eat up’ – Seychelles 2013

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