Children start learning before they are even born. Some people may wonder how this is possible if the child has not yet taken their first breath, but it is true. Brain development begins during the fourth week of their first trimester in the womb. This is important because development helps a child learn and grow, thereby affecting their future learning, education and social skills. Brain development begins in the womb and continues to flourish after birth. A child's brain develops thanks to neurons and their connections through synapses. Neurons communicate at synapses through the use of neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are chemicals sent between neurons as well as between the muscles and organs they work with. They attach to receptors on recipient cells and translate into messages. Synapses, the connections in the mind between nerve cells, must be strengthened to keep them active. For example, if a parent integrates music into a child's life, these bonds will be strong, allowing the child to be musically talented and more likely able to transition from one instrument to another. On the other hand, if a parent does not strengthen their child's musical skills, the child may never be able to learn to play an instrument in the future. Additionally, brain development is influenced by nutrition, speech, environment, education or neglect, and early childhood programs, all of which take place during two periods of life. A child's brain development is influenced by events in the womb and after birth. Maternal influences have an effect on the child's brain development in the womb. Two of these influences are the nutrition she eats and her speech. A fetus goes through three trimesters before being born. In the first trimester, there is t...... middle of paper ......Carmo. "Effects of maternal malnutrition and postnatal nutritional rehabilitation on brain fatty acids, learning and memory." Nutritional Reviews 69.3 (2011): 132-144. MEDLINE. Internet. November 13, 2013. Luby, J. et al. “The Effects of Poverty on Child Brain Development.” Mediating effect of care and stressful life events: n. page. Abstract. MEDLINE. Internet. November 13, 2013. Morrison, George S. Fundamentals of Early Childhood Education. 7th ed. Texas: University of North Texas, 2008. Print.Painter, Kirstin and Maria Scannapieco. “Child abuse: neurobiological aspects of post-traumatic stress disorder.” » Journal of Evidence-Based Social Work 10.4 (2013): 276-284. CINAHL. Internet. November 13. 2013.