Exercise during pregnancy is proven to strengthen the developing brain of the in utero baby. The in utero brain boost is thought to be the result of exercises’ ability to invigorate the placenta, arouse auditory and vibratory stimulation, promote the transfer of BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotropic Factor), and influence gene expression.
The pregnant parent-to-be, through exercise, can provide an epic influence on their in utero baby’s developing brain that is lasting, for a lifetime lasting. And let’s be clear that a strong brain goes beyond sharp cognitive functioning and high academic potential to influence overall physical and emotional health as well as the ability to lead a healthy, happy, and fulfilling life. And according to research in epigenetics, this brain strength persists into the next generation – your baby’s future baby will benefit!
So, you’re twenty squats deep and you’re wondering, why does your in utero baby get smarter when you’re the one doing the exercise? When I was pregnant, my understanding was that the increased oxygen in my blood (from exercise) transferred to my wee one (through the umbilical cord), and that did the trick. Well, it’s a factor, but it’s only part of the equation. Turns out, there are a variety of reasons brain benefits are conferred upon in utero baby when enceinte mom is in motion.
Placenta Is Made Vigorous
- The placenta (an organ you create when pregnant) is made vigorous by regular exercise.
- The placenta attaches itself to the wall of the uterus to access maternal blood and via the umbilical cord, it provides oxygen, nutrients, and waste removal for the in utero baby.
- “The placentas of women who exercise regularly throughout early and mid-pregnancy grow faster and function better than those of women who are healthy but don’t exercise regularly. This means that, at any rate of uterine blood flow, more oxygen and nutrients can get across to the baby of a woman who exercises than to the baby of one who does not,” according to James F. Clapp III, MD, author of Exercising Through Pregnancy.
Arouse Auditory and Vibratory Stimulation
- When you exercise, you are exposing the in utero baby to a variety of sounds and movements.
- “Sound and vibratory stimuli before birth may accelerate the development of the baby’s brain,” according to Dr. Clapp.
Brain-Derived Neurotropic Factor
- Brain-Derived Neurotropic Factor, or BDNF for short (because it’s a mouthful), is needed for learning and memory.
- When you exercise, your muscles secrete BDNF, which improves signal strength between neurons. Basically, the more BDNF in the brain, the better the brain works.
- A study at the University of Montreal led by Elise Labonte-LeMoyne, PhD theorized that when pregnant mom exercises, the chemicals generated that are related to brain health transfer from the mother’s bloodstream to baby’s bloodstream.
Epigenetics
- There is an epigenetic relationship between the pregnant mom exercising and the baby’s brain health.
- Epigenetics is the study of gene expression, which is the process that makes a gene function. A gene must be expressed in order for its genetic trait to exert influence.
- Some genetic traits can be turned on or off like a switch. Gene expression – the flipping of switches – is influenced by environmental and lifestyle factors including exercise, diet, stress, environmental pollutants, drugs, tobacco, and alcohol.
- For the in utero baby, the pregnant momma’s exercise enthusiasm flips that switch to the strong brain position.
Bottom line: Exercise for pregnant women has a powerful and positive impact on the in utero baby brain. So, improve baby’s brain (and your bottom line) and crush another twenty squats!