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"When Does Learning Begin?"

I'm delighted to share this thought-provoking TED Talk by Annie Murphy Paul, titled "What We Learn Before We're Born." This video lives rent-free in my mind! Maybe it’s because I remember where I was on September 11, 2001. Or maybe it's because of the story my Pop-Pop shared about the day the Canadian troops liberated his city in the Netherlands during World War II. For whatever reason, I encourage you to also watch Annie Murphy Paul dive deep into the fascinating world of prenatal learning and its implications on human development.



Key Takeaways

1. Discover how experiences in the womb shape our understanding of culture 

 and future behaviors. 


2. Learn about the Fetal Origin Hypothesis. 


3. Babies learn about their future world while in utero.

-Babies in utero during 9/11 developed a biological marker that made 

 them more susceptible to PTSD, especially if it was during the third 

 trimester. 

-Babies in utero during the Hunger Winter in the Netherlands during 

 World War II suffered immediate consequences, such as low birth 

 weights and an increase in infant mortality, as well as delayed 

 consequences such as an increased risk of diabetes, obesity, and heart 

 disease. 



Watch the video for yourself! You will not be disappointed! 


 
 
 

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