Whose unborn child is currently experiencing the most rapid expansion in the number of neurons?
a) Trenelle, who is 19 weeks pregnant
b) Maura, who is 3 weeks pregnant
c) Yelena, who is 11 weeks pregnant
d) Vuoung, who is 30 weeks pregnant
The correct answer and explanation is :
The correct answer is a) Trenelle, who is 19 weeks pregnant.
Explanation:
During pregnancy, the development of the unborn child, especially the brain, follows specific stages. The period when the number of neurons in the brain increases most rapidly occurs during the second trimester, typically between weeks 16 to 24.
Here’s a breakdown of the fetal brain development:
- First Trimester (Weeks 1–12):
During the first trimester, the fetal brain is primarily focusing on the development of structures, including the formation of basic neural tubes, which will eventually become the central nervous system. At this stage, the formation of neurons starts but at a much slower rate. - Second Trimester (Weeks 13–24):
This period marks a critical phase of rapid brain growth, including the formation of synapses and the increased production of neurons. Around 19 weeks of pregnancy (which is when Trenelle is), the fetus is producing a significant number of neurons, rapidly expanding brain cells. This time is when neurogenesis (the creation of new neurons) is at its peak. The number of neurons grows exponentially in this stage. - Third Trimester (Weeks 25–40):
During the third trimester, the fetus’ brain continues to mature, but the process shifts focus more towards the development of synaptic connections, myelination (the coating of nerve fibers), and overall brain refinement. Although neuron creation continues during this time, it slows down significantly compared to the rapid production seen during the second trimester.
Given this timeline, Trenelle, who is 19 weeks pregnant, is in the period where her unborn child is experiencing the most rapid expansion in the number of neurons.