Chasing Life How Pregnancy Reshapes the Brain
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May 16, 2025 
Dr. Laura Pritschet, a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Pennsylvania, discusses the fascinating effects of pregnancy on the brain. She explains how hormonal shifts lead to significant neurological changes, enhancing maternal focus and caregiving abilities. The conversation also touches on neuroplasticity and how these adaptations can create both opportunities for emotional growth and vulnerabilities, particularly regarding mood. Pritschet emphasizes the importance of understanding these transformations to improve support for new mothers.
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Gray Matter Shrinks in Pregnancy
- Gray matter volume reduces throughout pregnancy, especially cortical thinning occurs.
- This shrinkage partly recovers postpartum but doesn't fully return to pre-pregnancy levels.
Pregnancy Brain Is Adaptive
- Brain volume reductions during pregnancy reflect fine-tuning, not loss of function.
- These changes prepare the brain for parenting and are similar to adolescent brain development.
Brain Changes Affect Motherhood
- Greater gray matter changes correlate with stronger maternal bonding and less hostility.
- Cognitive complaints postpartum may signal vulnerability to mood disorders and need support.