Dr. Catherine Lebel & Dr. Sam Nivins: Disruptors of Fetal Brain Development
Release Date: 02/10/2026
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info_outlineIn this episode, Therese Markow, Dr. Catherine Lebel, and Dr. Sam Nivins discuss the impact of prenatal factors on fetal brain development. Catherine explains how MRI can detect subtle brain changes due to prenatal alcohol exposure, even at low levels, and emphasizes the importance of avoiding alcohol during pregnancy. Sam discusses the effects of maternal obesity before pregnancy on brain development, noting sex-specific differences and the importance of early intervention. Both also touch on the impact of stressors, such as natural disasters, and the need for early identification and support for children with potential reading difficulties.
Key Takeaways:
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Even exposing a fetus to one alcoholic drink per week during pregnancy shows a detectable difference in brain structure compared to kids who had no alcohol exposure at all.
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The same is true of prenatal maternal obesity, even if the obesity is preconceptional.
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Reading is a skill that must be taught to children. Prereading skills lay the foundation for later reading. And prereading skills can be visualized with brain imaging. When you know what part of the brain is affected, you can better tailor interventions to target those particular consequences.
"People who have good support from a partner or other folks in their lives, not only do they tend to do better, but their kids tend to do better too." — Dr. Catherine Lebel
Connect with Dr. Lebel and Dr. Nivins
Dr. Lebel’s Professional Bio & Publications: https://profiles.ucalgary.ca/catherine-lebel
Dr. Nivins’ Professional Bio & Publications: https://ki.se/en/people/samson-nivins
Website: https://www.developmentalneuroimaginglab.ca/
Connect with Therese:
Website: www.criticallyspeaking.net
Bluesky: @CriticallySpeaking.bsky.social
Instagram: @criticallyspeakingpodcast
Email: theresemarkow@criticallyspeaking.net
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