Pregnancy induces many changes in a woman’s body, not forgetting the brain. Most changes are noted on the physical appearance; with more research on what motherhood does to the brain, new reports indicate an adjustment in structure and functioning during pregnancy.
According to recent research, pregnancy causes shrinkage in brain volume as part of the gray matter, which consists of pinkish-gray nerve cells and tissues. The decrease in brain size can last for 2 years. Though women lose part of the brain responsible for social cognition, they have deeper connections to the infant. The shrunk brain synapses tend to increase social cognition rather than lower it, as most people expect when depleted part of the brain. This explains why mothers can easily understand what their baby woos mean.
On the negative, the shrunk brain tissues can trigger memory loss in women, a condition known as spatial memory loss or pregnancy brain. Due to limited studies on pregnancy’s impacts on the brain, it’s difficult to identify the exact trigger of brain volume reduction. Fluctuation in hormones like progesterone and estrogen is linked to the change in brain functioning and composition.
MS, University of Latvia
I am deeply convinced that each patient needs a unique, individual approach. Therefore, I use different psychotherapy methods in my work. During my studies, I discovered an in-depth interest in people as a whole and the belief in the inseparability of mind and body, and the importance of emotional health in physical health. In my spare time, I enjoy reading (a big fan of thrillers) and going on hikes.
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