Scientists uncover how pregnancy changes a mom’s brain

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New research published in the journal Nature Neuroscience has revealed the significant impact pregnancy has on a mother's brain. Scientists have mapped brain changes during pregnancy, showing that areas related to emotional regulation, empathy, and social cognition experience significant shifts. These findings could provide insights into why some women develop postpartum depression. The study sheds light on the neurological transformations that prepare women for motherhood, offering a deeper understanding of the biological processes that shape maternal behavior.

Source

Pritschet, L., Taylor, C.M., Cossio, D. et al. Neuroanatomical changes observed over the course of a human pregnancy. Nat Neurosci (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41593-024-01741-0

Additional Reading

https://www.washingtonpost.com/science/2024/09/16/pregnancy-brain-changes-study/

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ckgvvn0q8e2o

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/16/health/pregnancy-brain-changes.html