Abstract:
Brain maturation begins in a strictly programmed way, in the first month of embryonic development in utero, between the 19 and 28 days. In the fifth week after conception, the first synapses begin forming in the foetus’s spinal cord. The synapses, which will define the baby's intellectual potential, unfortunately receive little stimulation in utero. If we put more of a strain on the brain, the number of synapses increases. Several sensory functions are already available to receive information. Babies in utero recognise and memorise emotions and may be conscious.
From the 7th week of pregnancy, the vibrations of the music or the various sounds perceived give the child his first real emotions. Low pitches are transmitted better through the hearing from weeks 19–20. Music is therefore an essential pillar of development that allows the baby to awaken and to develop its intellectual capacities. The more brain is stimulated, the more the connections between neurons persist. Touch is the first sense that develops in the foetus, long before hearing. Some touch receptors appear as early as the 4th week of pregnancy.
The baby can be stimulated from the first weeks of pregnancy, either directly or indirectly. Directly by songs and music. Touching and caressing are very important for developing attachment and a sense of security in the baby. The physical presence of his parents stimulates his immune and hormonal system.
Indirectly, by proposing pregnant women certain physical or intellectual activities, but more complicated or difficult, that require additional mental effort, like reading books and through observation of special events that occur around. By developing the child’s cognitive abilities, it significantly increases his/her IQ.
