Expectant mothers who exercise may have brainier babies, says a recent study out of the University of Montreal. Staying active during pregnancy has previously been recommended to help alleviate back problems and sleep issues.
Prior to this, it was unknown how that activity -- or lack of it -- affected the brain development of the child. According to the researchers, it makes a difference.
During their information-gathering phase, they tracked the exercise habits of 18 women. 8 of them were asked to remain sedentary, taking on no exercise regime whatsoever.
The rest exercised at least 3 times a week for 20-minute durations. Qualifying activities included brisk walking, swimming, and running. When the babies were between 8 and 12 days old they were outfitted with a head-full of electrodes.
Through the measurement of brain activity, the researchers found that the babies who were most successful at processing repeated sounds were all from the exercising moms group.
The team hasn't gotten to the research point where they can say those babies will be smarter children, but they are planning to examine the babies again when they turn one year old.
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