Scientists: Prenatal Exercise May Boost Baby's Brain

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) - Researchers in Canada have discovered that expectant moms can give their babies a boost in life just by keeping fit while pregnant – and all it takes is a half hour a day.

According to researchers at the University of Montreal, low-impact work-outs, like swimming and walking actually help a newborn's brain develop faster.

For most pregnant women, 20 to 30 minutes of moderate exercise is recommended on most, if not all, days of the week.

Scientists placed electrode caps on babies who were 8- to 12-days old and measured activity as their brains' responded to different sounds.

They say newborns with more physically-active mothers had more mature brain function.

The exercise could also have more positive effects as a child grows.

Researchers are tracking the babies' cognitive, motor and language development at age one to see if the benefits have a lasting effect.