New Study Reveals Pregnancy Can Shrink A Woman's Brain

During pregnancy, a woman’s body transforms in so many incredible ways, both emotionally and physically. From morning sickness and mood swings to hormonal changes and weight gain, there is a roller coaster of changes that may be experienced or are expected during pregnancy. However, there’s one more surprising change that was recently brought to light by a detailed study - one that involves an expecting mother’s brain. 

According to the study, pregnancy shrinks a woman’s brain by about 5 percent, and although it may sound alarming, there’s no need to panic just yet. The study also suggests that during postpartum, it recovers partly. Read to know more.

How Pregnancy Affects The Brain

A study led by researchers from Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), the Gregorio Marañón Health Research Institute, and the Hospital del Mar Research Institute examined the brains of nearly 180 first-time pregnant women using advanced neuroimaging techniques. The aim of the study was to understand and evaluate the structural changes that occur during the second and third trimester, as well as 6 months postpartum.

The study found changes in grey matter across 94% of the brain. Published in the journal Nature Communications, the researchers explained, "We unveil a U-shaped trajectory in grey matter volume, which dips in late pregnancy and partially recovers during postpartum. The U-shaped trajectory of GM volume affected numerous regions across the brain's cortex, encompassing 94 percent of its surface. Particularly striking changes were observed in higher-order cognitive networks such as the default mode and frontoparietal networks”

What Is Grey Matter?

Grey matter is an essential tissue made up of neuronal cell bodies and unmyelinated axons, that make up the outer layer of the brain and spinal cord. It plays a crucial role in regulating various important aspects of human functioning, including memory, movement, and emotions.  The study states that the volume of Grey Matter reduces by 2.7% during the second trimester and 4.9% immediately before delivery. It also reveals that there is a 3.4% recovery postpartum.

What Causes Changes in the Brain During Pregnancy?

While it is fascinating how the brain changes during pregnancy, it is important to understand that these changes are brought about by changes in the estrogen (estriol-3-sulfate' and 'estrone-sulfate) levels. 

Estrogen is a very important hormone in females that regulates female reproductive health. An article published by NIH reveals ‘In early pregnancy, estrogen plays a massive role in placentation mainly by modulating angiogenic factor expression—and in the development of an immune-tolerant uterine micro-environment by remodeling the function of uterine natural killer and T-helper cells.”

Estrogen levels tend to increase gradually as the pregnancy progresses and reach the peak during the third trimester. This change in estrogen is also responsible for other pregnancy-related changes and symptoms like nausea and milk duct development. 

This study marks a phenomenal advancement in maternal brain research. Let us know what you think about this.