CircleBumpCheckedFilledMedicalBookmarkBookmarkTickBookmarkAddCheckBoxCheckBoxFilled

New Technology: Tracking Baby’s Brain Development In Utero

save article
profile picture of Anisa Arsenault
By Anisa Arsenault, Associate Editor
Updated March 2, 2017
Hero Image

Science is getting better at understanding baby’s development in utero. The latest advancement? Viennese researchers can pinpoint when your baby develops the ability to see.

Using  functional magnetic resonance tomography (fMRT), which is a technique that measures brain activity, researchers from the Computational Imaging Research Lab at the Medical University of Vienna were able to identify active short-range neuronal connections within the brain of a fetus 26 to 29 weeks old. These connections, paired with the more steadily-advancing long-range neuronal connections found at that stage, indicate that the part of the brain responsible for sight is active.

“It became apparent that the areas responsible for sensory perception are developed first and only then, around four weeks later, do the areas responsible for more complex, cognitive skills come along,” said study author Andras Jakab after observing 32 fetuses from the 21st to 38th week of pregnancy.

Sure, a vague understanding of when baby can see is interesting, but how does this study have a real impact on pregnant women? The ability to track fetal brain development and gauge what’s normal means doctors will be better able to detect (and treat) issues in unborn babies. And that means you’ll be able to breathe easier.

Did you have any out-of-the-ordinary tests during pregnancy?

save article
ADVERTISEMENT

Next on Your Reading List

snoo smart bassinet vs cradlewise convertible smart bassinet
Cradlewise vs. SNOO: Parents Review Both Iconic Smart Cribs
By Martina Garvey
cradlewise-convertible-smart-bassinet-and-crib-review-hero
The Cradlewise Smart Bassinet and Crib, Tested by a Mom of Two
By Emily Bagg
tb-snoo-smart-sleeper-bassinet-review-HERO
The SNOO Smart Sleeper Bassinet, Tested and Reviewed by Two Moms
By Martina Garvey
ADVERTISEMENT
snoo smart sleeper bassinet on sale, snoo for rent, best bassinet for baby
How to Get $500 Off the Cult-Favorite SNOO This Week
By Wyndi Kappes
toddler playing with tonie and yoto toys
Yoto vs. Tonie: Which Audio Player Is Best? a Kid-Tested Review
By Dani Wolfe
young woman on laptop outside
The Best Amazon Big Spring Sale Deals for the Whole Family
By Wyndi Kappes
toddler with tonie toy
Does the Toniebox Live Up to the Hype? One Mom’s Honest Review
By Dani Wolfe
ADVERTISEMENT
toddler with yoto toy
Is the Yoto Player Worth It? This Kids' Audio Player Surprised Me
By Dani Wolfe
Best travel bed-hero
The 5 Best Toddler Travel Beds, Recommended by Parents
By Emma O'Regan-Reidy
vista v3 stroller review by mom
The UPPAbaby Vista V3, Tested and Reviewed by a Mom of Two
By Dani Wolfe
ADVERTISEMENT
Best Toddler Rain Suit Hero
The Best Toddler Rain Suits, According to Puddle Splashers
By Martina Garvey
tb-best-toddlers-busy-books-HERO
10 Best Toddler Busy Books for Learning and Playing
By Lynsey Eidell
doona stroller vs evenflo stroller
Doona vs. Evenflo Shyft: Tested by Moms
By Christine Carpenter
ADVERTISEMENT
nugget-couch-alternatives-HERO
4 Best Nugget Couch Dupes, Tested by Creative Kids Who Love to Build
By Martina Garvey
Toddler wearing headphones
5 Best Preschool and Toddler Headphones, Tested by a Mom of Three
By Jennifer Wirth
Kids Ball Pits HERO
6 Best Ball Pits for Kids, Tested by Families
By Martina Garvey
best toys for 2 month olds
The Best Toys for 2-Month-Olds, According to Parents
By Erin Hart Wisti
ADVERTISEMENT
family looking at laptop at kitchen table together
22 Family-Favorite Brands Offering Big Saving Events This Week
By Wyndi Kappes
best learning towers for toddlers 2023
The 8 Best Toddler Tower Designs, Tested by a Mom and Her Tot
By Korin Miller
Best Toddler Mattresses
The Best Twin Mattresses for Kids, Tested by Little Sleepers
By Martina Garvey
ADVERTISEMENT
Article removed.
Article removed.
Name added. View Your List