Children's development in the early years of life is critical to their physical, emotional and cognitive well-being throughout life. Scientific studies show that the experiences a child has during this critical period have a lasting impact on their health, academic and professional success, as well as their ability to form healthy relationships and be a productive member of society.
In fact, many experts claim that the first six years of life are one of the most important periods for human development. During that time, the child's brain undergoes exponential growth, forming billions of neuronal connections that are the foundation for learning and future development.
Scientific research shows that investing in early childhood is critical to society's future. Studies demonstrate that early childhood interventions can have a significant impact on children's health, cognitive and emotional development, as well as later academic and professional success.
The Perry Study
This more than 30-year longitudinal study followed children living in poverty and at-risk situations in Houston, Texas. The study found that children who received interventions in early childhood had better academic performance and fewer behavioral and health problems in adulthood.
NICHD study
The National Health Growth and Child Development Study (NICHD) is another longitudinal study that followed more than 1,000 children from birth through adolescence. The study found that the quality of early childhood care has a significant impact on children's cognitive and emotional development.
Studying the developing brain
Another study used MRI to examine brain development in children over time. The study found that sensory stimulation and social interaction are critical for early childhood brain development.
Nobel Study
Estudo de Nobel descobriu que o investimento na primeira infância pode levar a retornos significativos em termos de desempenho acadêmico, produtividade e saúde ao longo da vida.
Epigenetics
Epigenetics is the study of how genes can be turned on or off without changing the DNA sequence. In other words, epigenetics is the science that studies how environmental conditions and external factors can affect the expression of genes without changing their structure.
The social conditions of a pregnant mother, such as financial difficulties or psychological abuse, can affect the epigenetics of the fetus. Studies suggest that these environmental factors can affect the expression of genes in the fetus, affecting its health and development throughout life.
For example, a mother facing chronic stress can affect the epigenetics of the fetus, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and obesity later in life. In addition, traumatic experiences during pregnancy can affect the epigenetics of the fetus, increasing the risk of psychiatric and behavioral disorders in childhood and adulthood.
It is important to highlight that epigenetics is not deterministic and can be modified throughout life by environmental factors, lifestyle and diet. Therefore, it is possible to mitigate the negative effects of epigenetics through early interventions such as therapies and lifestyle changes.
Scientific studies of early childhood and epigenetics show that the first years of life are a critical period for human development. Exposure to factors such as poor nutrition, stress and trauma during pregnancy and early childhood can have a significant impact on gene expression and the child's future development.
These studies emphasize the critical importance of investing in children's health and development during the early years of life, and this involves mothers in their pregnancies.
Understanding these factors can help inform policies and programs that support the health and well-being of children and their families, contributing to a healthier and more prosperous future for society as a whole.
