Plan of Prenatal Activities
Before birth babies can see, feel, touch, hear, smell and taste.
It is clear that following a program or just undertaking limited activities will bring benefits to both parents and child in terms of early bonding
These activities can give your unborn baby a “personality” even before he is born and add to his ‘experiences’, which are essential for brain network development and learning.
Detailed below are suggestions and timing for activities that can be undertaken before birth:
| Period |
Activity |
| Before conception |
- Try to maintain a balanced diet.
- Avoid alcohol, smoking and drugs.
- Ensure intake levels of essential fatty acids are adequate.
- Ensure intake levels of folic acid are adequate.
- Dad-to-be should also make changes in lifestyle.
|
| From 8 weeks gestation |
- You can begin massage; become acquainted with your growing ‘bump’.
- Start talking to your baby; he will start to ‘develop’ his own personality.
|
| From 20 weeks |
- Now is a good time to start with music, or pre-recorded tapes etc. or even you own prenatal telephone (a simple device fashioned from everyday items).
- You can start with games – say a word, then mimic the meaning for example: say: “shake – shake” then gently shake your ‘bump’.
- Start to get dad and siblings involved with your ‘bump’.
|
Try to make your pregnancy as stress free and happy as possible, relax regularly with your growing baby. Mother’s hormones and body chemicals will transmit emotions to your growing baby; make them as positive as possible.
Buy products that may assist in prenatal development
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