Researchers from the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), the Gregorio Marañón Health Research Institute, and the Hospital del Mar Research Institute have conducted a comprehensive review of the scientific literature on the neurobiological adaptations that occur during pregnancy and postpartum. This study aims to shed light on the changes that take place in the brain structure, hormonal evolution, and maternal behavior during these periods.
One key finding from previous research is that pregnancy leads to changes in a mother’s brain morphology, specifically a reduction in gray matter in regions associated with social relations. These changes can persist for at least two years after giving birth. The principal hormones believed to be responsible for inducing these brain changes are estrogens. Hormonal fluctuations, primarily related to estrogens, are thought to trigger plasticity processes in the brain during pregnancy and postpartum.
The connection between hormonal fluctuations, brain adaptations, and maternal behavior is still not fully understood and requires further investigation. The emotional and cognitive processes involved in the evolving mother-child relationship during pregnancy and postpartum are among the least understood areas and distinguish human mothers from other animals.
To advance research in this field, the researchers propose several lines of investigation. Firstly, they suggest identifying the brain cell substrates involved in the observed changes in gray matter. Additionally, they encourage further research into the mechanisms by which sexual hormones, especially estrogens, contribute to structural and behavioral reorganization.
Understanding the psychological changes that occur during pregnancy and postpartum and characterizing the functional changes in the brain responsible for the development of maternal conduct is another important challenge. The association between neuroanatomic changes and different aspects of maternal behavior in humans is currently limited and needs more exploration.
It is noteworthy that most studies conducted to date have used animal models, particularly rats. The researchers emphasize the importance of conducting research studies on women to better understand the unique neurobiological changes that occur during pregnancy and postpartum in humans.
This review paper serves as a roadmap for future research in the field of human adaptation to motherhood, highlighting the need to investigate the interactions between hormones, brain structure, and maternal behavior. By advancing our understanding of these processes, we can contribute to the well-being of mothers and their offspring.
Sources:
– Nature Reviews Neuroscience: “Neurobiological adaptation during pregnancy and postpartum: mechanisms, plasticity and clinical implications”
– UAB News: “First comprehensive review paper on neurobiological adaptation during pregnancy and postpartum”
