Pregnancy transforms women’s brains in significant ways, revealing profound changes in gray matter. We have already revealed it to you in this article: pregnancy causes a loss of gray matter in the mother.
A recent study, however, provides additional information, and shows that these changes, linked to hormones, affect nearly 94% of brain volume, with implications for social cognition and maternal bonding.
This research, carried out by an international team, followed 179 women using neuroimaging techniques. It highlights a 4.9% reduction in matter gray during the pregnancyfollowed by partial recovery after delivery. These transformations, mainly attributed to hormonal fluctuations, open up new perspectives on maternal neurobiology.
Hormones at the heart of brain transformations
Researchers have identified two hormones, estriol-3-sulfate and estrone sulfokinase, whose levels vary significantly during pregnancy. These fluctuations are directly correlated to the reduction and recovery of gray matter. As hormone levels increase, brain changes become more pronounced.
This discovery highlights the importance of biological processes in the transformation of the maternal brain. The affected areas, particularly those linked to social cognition, play a key role in human interactions, which could explain certain maternal behaviors.
A strong link between brain recovery and maternal attachment
Women with better gray matter recovery after childbirth showed a stronger connection with their baby. This observation suggests that the well-being psychological of the mother not only influences her health cerebral, but also the quality of the relationship with your child.
These results highlight the importance of psychological support during and after pregnancy. They also open avenues to better understand conditions such as postpartum depression, often linked to brain alterations.
A rigorous methodology for unprecedented results
The study included a control group of women whose partners were pregnant, making it possible to distinguish biological effects from those linked to the experience of motherhood. This innovative approach confirmed that brain changes are mainly due to the pregnancy itself.
-Researchers used repeated MRI scans to track changes in the brain before, during and after pregnancy. This longitudinal method provided accurate and reliable data, setting a benchmark for future maternal brain research.
Implications for maternal mental health
These findings could help better understand pregnancy-related psychological disorders, such as postpartum depression. In identifier the brain mechanisms involved, researchers hope to develop more targeted interventions to support mothers.
The study also highlights the importance of maternal well-being in brain recovery. Psychological support programs could thus play a key role in the prevention of postpartum complications.
To go further: What is gray matter and what is its role in the brain?
Gray matter is an essential component of nervous system central, mainly made up of cell bodies of neurons. It plays a key role in information processing, cognition and regulation motor and sensory functions.
Located in the cerebral cortex and other regions of the brain, gray matter is involved in complex processes such as memory, decision-making and social interactions. Its structure and density directly influence cognitive and emotional abilities.
During pregnancy, hormonal changes can modify the volume of gray matter, particularly in areas linked to social cognition. These transformations seem to favor adaptation to motherhood.
Finally, gray matter is also associated with brain plasticity, that is, the brain’s ability to reorganize itself in response to new experiences. This property partly explains the partial recovery observed after pregnancy.
