Psychology In The News | Plasticity in Pregnancy

Recent research reveals that the human brain undergoes significant changes throughout pregnancy, marking a critical transition in preparation for motherhood. This groundbreaking study provides the first comprehensive mapping of brain alterations during gestation and beyond, highlighting that nearly every region of the brain is affected.

During pregnancy, certain areas of the brain shrink while others grow and establish stronger connections. These transformations are believed to facilitate the development of deep bonds between mothers and their babies and to help them adapt to the demanding responsibilities of caregiving. Understanding this brain remodelling could shed light on various pregnancy-related behaviours and aid individuals at risk of postnatal depression.

The study involved 26 brain scans of a first-time mother, starting three weeks before conception and continuing for two years after childbirth. The findings revealed significant changes in the brain’s grey matter, particularly a reduction in volume but an increase in connections. This remodelling, often referred to as neuroplasticity, occurred at three times the rate compared to eight non-pregnant women who also had their brains scanned over the same time. The study also noted increases in white matter—nerve fibres crucial for communication between brain regions—peaking during the second trimester and returning to pre-pregnancy levels post-birth. Changes were especially pronounced in areas linked to sensory processing, emotion, and self-reflection.

Overall, this research supports the idea that motherhood is one of the periods of highest neuroplasticity in adult life. While these brain changes may enhance maternal behaviours, further investigation is needed to fully understand their implications for bonding and mental health, as well as how they vary among individuals.

References:

Pritschet L, Taylor CM, Cossio D et al (2024) Neuroanatomical changes observed over the course of a human pregnancy. Nature Neuroscience https://www.nature.com/article...

ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS!

1. This study focuses on the idea of plasticity in pregnancy, what is meant by the term ‘plasticity’?
2. The research focused on the changes in the brain structure in one individual, what method is this an example of?
3. What strengths are there of using the method you have named in question 2, to study plasticity in pregnancy?
4. What weaknesses are there in using the method you have named in question 2, to study plasticity in pregnancy?

CHALLENGE: what implications could this piece of research have for the economy?