All parents want their children to be smart, which is not only about enhancing skills after birth but generally, smart children come from three factors: genetics, preparation during pregnancy, and developmental stimulation after birth.
How to make your baby smart during pregnancy
- Eat a complete diet with all 5 food groups and foods containing DHA acid, found in fish, sea fish, and seaweed, and ARA acid, found in vegetable oils, safflower oil, sunflower seed oil, and corn oil.
- Continuously take folic acid without missing! Because if the mother takes more than 400 micrograms per day before and during pregnancy, it can reduce brain abnormalities by up to 70%.
- Avoid alcohol, cigarettes, tea, coffee, and soft drinks.
- It is not recommended to buy medicine on your own. If you suspect or have health problems during pregnancy, consult a doctor immediately.
- Emotions and environment: If the mother is in a good mood, it will help the baby be smart and have good brain development, such as listening to music to relax, which releases endorphins and makes the baby feel relaxed as well.
- Reading books, positive thinking, enjoyable hobbies, and practicing storytelling to the baby. If the mother is more than 26 weeks pregnant, the baby can hear the mother’s voice, and talking to the baby during pregnancy also helps brain development.
- Rub the belly from bottom to top or in circles. The mother’s touch helps stimulate the nervous system, transmitting the mother’s loving touch to the baby’s nervous system, making the baby feel calm and warm, which helps strengthen the bond between mother and baby.
Dr. Tharinee Lamleuk
Specialist in Maternal and Fetal Medicine
Women’s Health Center, Phyathai 2 Hospital
