Mother’s Brain Changes During Pregnancy

Pregnancy undoubtedly represents a magical and special stage. This is so true that science has checked for unexpected changes in the pregnant woman’s brain. The idea, of course, is that these alterations help her take care of the little one.

That pregnancy produces significant changes in the mother’s body is more than evident. However,  what not many women know is that her brain also undergoes major transformations during this period. What are we talking about? We explain it to you in the following lines.

Weight gain, nausea, back pain and those hormonal changes that cause so much discomfort seem not to be the only consequence that pregnancy has on a woman’s body. Certainly you are wondering: “Are there others ?!”. The answer is yes.

However,  these are not negative alterations. On the contrary, their purpose is to take care of the baby.

Changes in the mother’s brain in pregnancy

Basically,  science informs us that a reduction in the amount of gray matter occurs in the mother’s brain. Gray matter is located in the spinal cord and on the outside of the brain. It is responsible for processing information and, in fact, its quantity is directly linked to the intelligence of the individual.

More precisely, this reduction occurs in regions related to empathy. The main purpose is to perceive the sensations of the baby living in the womb more effectively.

This reduction of neurons, however, is somewhat contradictory. The authors of the survey point out that  this decrease in neuronal connections occurs precisely because this task can be done more efficiently. Therefore, it does not equate to a loss or drop in performance in this skill.

In addition, it also possesses a powerful effect on the surrounding environment. The woman is able to perceive threats around her with greater sensitivity than before. This ability, we are assured, is maintained for up to two years after childbirth. After all, the maternal instinct that so often determines the salvation of the little one has clear neuroscientific foundations.

Side effects

Since the mother’s brain changes in this way, it is normal for some of her abilities to be reduced while others are enhanced. Here are some examples:

• Memory: Many expectant mothers have reported feeling more forgetful than the rest of their lives. These changes in the amount of gray matter could be an explanation for this phenomenon.

• Stress: In this case, the reduction in stress is largely due to oxytocin. In this way, the fact that a mother goes through so many changes and spends so many sleepless hours without suffering from complications related to this pathology finds an explanation.
• Sociability: Have you noticed that mothers seem to have a sixth sense for reading thoughts? In large part, this is because the brain prepares itself to interpret non-verbal signals. Logical: the baby does not speak. Consequently, this gift is of fundamental importance and can extend to other aspects of life.
• Courage: both before and after giving birth, the woman acquires “extra” courage to face the same birth and the possible risks that could threaten the life of her baby.

What happens to the fathers?

The studies were carried out by analyzing groups of about 20 women and men, some with children, or while they were waiting for them, and others, however, without children. Through the use of MRI scans, changes were found in the gray matter of the mothers, but not of the men.

Nonetheless, it must be considered that this study focused on men whose role was not that of the primary caregiver. Some theories affirm that even the mind of the man, when he has to assume the role of sole responsible for a child, undergoes alterations that improve certain skills.

Specifically,  these changes have to do with oxytocin production. Yes: it is a characteristic and necessary hormone present in the body of mothers during breastfeeding, but it is also produced by men. Thanks to it, they are able to better interpret the baby’s needs and emotions.

What is the explanation for these changes?

Like almost everything that happens during pregnancy,  this process has a close relationship with hormonal changes. The revolution taking place is such that even the brain remains involved.

However, it must be emphasized that this is a positive adaptation. It is a valid and scientific demonstration that there is indeed a special bond between mother and child. The protective instinct, so often questioned, is highlighted precisely by the mother’s brain.

The next time you happen to notice “magical” abilities in a mother, in relation to her child, you will have an idea where they come from. It all resides in the brain: that  magical tool that adapts to the different stages of human life.