Newborn brain exercise boost

Women are being encouraged to exercise throughout their pregnancy in order to improve their own health and that of their newborn.

Scientists in Canada have linked exercise with increased brain function in babies for the first time.

Read: Exercising whilst pregnant 'boost's baby's brain'

In the past women would be advised to take it easy and rest during pregnancy, however recent research has shown that a lack of exercise increases risks of pregnancy and the risk of the baby developing obesity.

Professor Daniel Curnier, scientist at the University of Montreal, said:

"While being sedentary increases the risks of suffering complications during pregnancy, being active can ease after delivery recovery, make pregnancy more comfortable and reduce the risk of obesity in the children.

"Given that exercise has been demonstrated to be beneficial for the adult's brain, we hypothesised that it could also be beneficial for the unborn child through the mother's actions."

"Our results show that the babies born from the mothers who were physically active have a more mature cerebral activation, suggesting that their brains developed more rapidly."

Read: Pregnant women urged to 'change health habits'

Pregnant women are being urged to exercise three times a week whilst pregnant to improve their child's brain development.

Read: Exercising whilst pregnant 'boost's baby's brain'

New research from the University of Montreal found that exercising three times a week for 20 minutes whilst pregnant boosted a newborn baby's brain development, and the boost could have an impact on a child's entire life. Study leader Professor Dave Ellemberg said:

Taking regular exercise whilst pregnant boosts a newborn baby's brain development, new research has shown.

Scientists from the University of Montreal in Canada found that just 20 minutes of moderate exercise three times a week whilst pregnant was enough to stimulate brain function in newborn babies.