Running head: PRENATAL BRAIN DEVELOPMENT 1

Article Review: Prenatal Brain Development

Ramona Torres-Martinez
Fresno Pacific University

Cohort ECD 85
Instructor: Cynthia Kaitfors-Smith
August 10th , 2016
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Prenatal Brain Development

The article Fetal brain development: The role of maternal nutrition, exposure, and

behaviors by A. N. Massaro, Rebecca Rothbaum, and Hany Aly analyzes and reviews the

research on the effects of external elements on fetal brain development in the womb. The article

discusses how the maternal eating habits, lifestyle activities, and contact with harmful elements

impact the fetus and disrupt the natural brain development. The authors of the article also

examine the consequences of these factors during early development in childhood. The article

took a comprehensive look at the various nutrients, vitamins, and substances that have an impact

on the growth of the brain if consumed by the mother during pregnancy. (Massaro et al., 2006)

The main emphasize of the article is examine the effects on the womb environment and the fetal

brain development due to the maternal exposure to external factors.

To address the claim in the article Massaro et al. state Aside from genetic factors, the in

utero environment may be the most important determinant of neurological outcomes. (2006,

p.2) The authors explain that having a healthy and nourishing womb environment with limited

contact from external factors is beneficial for optimal fetal brain development. The article

explains that drugs and toxins are transmitted from the mother to the developing baby in the

womb altering the in utero environment. Another topic discussed in the article is the harmful

effects of Maternal exposure and consumption of narcotics and medications during pregnancy.

These substances also transfer from the mother to the baby and interfere with the brain
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development affecting fetal growth, head size, and intellectual processing activity. (Massaro et

al., 2006 p. 6) The authors of the article explain that reducing the maternal exposure and

contact with these harmful substances can decrease the risk of impairment or injury to a babys

developing brain during the crucial period of growth in pregnancy.

The authors of the article also found that proper maternal nutrition is a vital supplement

to the developing brain and helps to prevent later developmental problems in children. According

to Massaro et al. (2006) While global undernutrition may have devastating effects on fetal brain

development specific vitamins, mineral and micronutrients deficiencies may be equally

damaging. (p.2) The article points out the importance for pregnant women to consume a healthy

diet full of essential vitamins and minerals to prevent brain defects and malfunctions in a

developing babying. The authors review the various vitamins, minerals, and nutrients require

during pregnancy to provide optimal nourishment both the mother and the growing fetus. The

authors mention that neural tube defects, early birth delivery, delayed baby growth in the

womb, and reduced intellect are a few of the risks associated with pregnant women lacking

adequate levels of folate and Zinc. (Massaro et al., 2006. p. 2-3) The article expresses the

damaging long-term harmful effects on the fetal brain development produced by a maternal iron

deficiency. A few of the consequences associated with a lack of Iron in pregnancy include a low

birth weight, increases the risk for early-term delivery, and interferes with the normal function

of the brain. (Massaro et al., 2006. p. 4) The article highlights the significance of pregnant

women eating a well-balanced diet because a developing baby depends on the mother for all the

essential supplements and nutrition needed for a healthy brain development.

In comparison to the article by Massaro et al. (2006), the article Nutrient and Iron

Deficiency: Focus on Fetal Brain Development and Beyond by Rachel Young also analyzes the

importance of maternal nutrition and lack of adequate amounts of Iron for the fetal brain
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development. In this article, Young states Nutrient deficiency can have potential lifelong

complications, especially when children experience these effects early on in life. (Young, 2012.

p. 66) Young indicates that childrens growth is affected by a lack proper nutrition and nutrient

quantity during the early period of brain development. The article analyzes and emphasizes the

nutritional value of Iron during pregnancy and also for infants. Young (2012) claims that a

childs brain functions, short-term memory, and cognitive ability are affected by not receiving

the sufficient amount of Iron in the womb. (p.66) The article discusses the importance of

integrating iron-rich foods in the diet of pregnant women to help prevent the long-term adverse

effects on a childs brain development.

The author supports her claim on the importance of avoiding an iron deficiency during

early brain development by pointing out that Iron plays a vital role in the childs ability to

cognitively handle situations, stimuli, and experiences. (Young, 2012 p. 67) The deprivation of

Iron in the early development continues to affect the brain function and abilities long after birth.

The effects that children encounter with a lack of Iron can cause delays and problems beyond the

infancy period. (Young, 2012)

Both articles discuss the significances of incorporating essential vitamins and minerals

into the maternal diet during pregnancy to reduce the risk of impaired brain development, but

one article focuses solely on iron deficiency in women and infants. The article Nutrient and

Iron Deficiency: Focus on Fetal Brain Development and Beyond (Young, 2012) emphasizes the

need to provide early intervention and prevention resources to pregnant women to reduce the

risks associated with iron deficiencies. In the article Young (2012) states, Practitioners would

benefit from encouraging their clients to ensure adequate intake during pregnancy to provide the

foundation for proper and optimal brain growth throughout a lifetime. (p.69) Another difference

in both articles is that Young (2012) in her article analyses not only the results of iron deficiency
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in pregnant women, but also in young infants and young children. The article discusses

nutritional recommendations and the consequences that children can encounter from a lack of

right amounts of nutrients in their diet. Young (2012), mentions, When a child does not

experience the proper balance of nutrients, neurodegeneration can occur. For children, in

particular, nutrient deficiencies impact intelligence levels. (p.68)

Overall, both articles analyzed and discussed how the fetal brain development is affected

by external factors and inadequate nutrition. The articles expressed the concerns in the outcome

for children subjected to an insufficient amount of Iron and other nutrients. The authors reported

the cognitive and mental delays experienced by the children and the long term effects. The

significant acknowledgment that early establishment of healthy nutrition habits in the mother

during pregnancy could improve the outcome in fetal brain development is suggested in both

articles. In contrast, one article provided additional information on the topic of iron deficiency

and the cognitive effects on young children.

References
Massaro, A.N, Rothbaum, R., & Aly, H. (2006). Fetal brain development: The role of maternal

nutrition, exposures, and behaviors. Journal of Pediatric Neurology, 4(1), 1-9 9p.

Young, R. (2012). Nutrient and Iron Deficiency: Focus on Fetal Brain Development and Beyond.

International Journal of Childbirth Education, 27(4), 65-69 5p.