Science Weekly The sweeping reorganisation of the brain in pregnancy, and why it matters
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Sep 19, 2024 
Dr. Laura Pritschet, a postdoctoral fellow in psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania, reveals groundbreaking research on brain changes during pregnancy. She discusses how continuous scans showcase dynamic transformations that enhance maternal abilities rather than indicate decline. The conversation highlights the historical neglect of women's health in neuroscience, calling for more attention to female-specific issues. These insights could improve our understanding of maternal mental health challenges, like postpartum depression.
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Liz Crastle's Brain Scans
- Dr. Liz Crastle participated in a study involving brain scans during pregnancy.
- She underwent 26 MRI scans and blood tests before, during, and after her pregnancy.
Capturing Dynamic Brain Changes
- Previous pregnancy brain studies used snapshots before and after, missing crucial changes during gestation.
- This study used frequent scans throughout pregnancy, capturing dynamic changes week by week.
Gray Matter Changes and Fine-tuning
- Gray matter volume decreases throughout pregnancy, showing partial postpartum recovery, similar to puberty.
- This reduction is not negative but suggests brain circuit fine-tuning, supported by rodent studies on parental behavior.