Women's neuroplasticity during gestation, childbirth and postpartum
María Paternina-Die1,2, Magdalena Martínez-García1,2, Daniel Martín de Blas1,2,3
1Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain.
Nature Neuroscience
|January 5, 2024
Summary
Pregnancy causes temporary brain cortical volume reduction in new mothers. These changes recover postpartum, but childbirth method may influence brain network recovery rates.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Psychology
- Obstetrics
Background:
- Pregnancy is a critical period of neuroplasticity.
- Brain changes during the peripartum period are not fully understood.
- Childbirth type may influence maternal brain alterations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To longitudinally track cortical brain changes in first-time mothers during the peripartum period.
- To investigate the impact of childbirth type on these brain changes.
- To compare maternal brain structure with nulliparous controls.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal neuroimaging (cortical volume) and neuropsychological assessments.
- Data collected from 110 first-time mothers and 34 nulliparous controls.
- Replication in an independent sample of 29 mothers and 24 controls.
Main Results:
- Mothers exhibited reduced cortical volume across functional networks in late pregnancy compared to controls.
- Cortical differences diminished in the early postpartum period.
- Default mode and frontoparietal networks showed attenuated volume increases, suggesting persistent changes.
- Scheduled Cesarean section was associated with distinct cortical trajectories.
Conclusions:
- Pregnancy involves dynamic cortical volume decreases that partially reverse postpartum.
- Brain network recovery rates vary, influenced by the peripartum period and childbirth method.
- Findings highlight the impact of childbirth on maternal brain plasticity.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:01Neuroplasticity
364
Neuroplasticity reflects the brain's remarkable capacity to adapt and evolve, responding dynamically to learning, experiences, or injury by reorganizing its neural circuitry. This reorganization involves creating new neural connections and refining old ones through a series of biological processes that contribute to the brain's lifelong development and adaptability.
364
01:31Neurotransmitters
953
Neurotransmitters are essential chemical messengers within the nervous system, facilitating the communication between neurons. These chemical messengers, varying in function and effect, are critical for sustaining various aspects of neurological health and emotional well-being.
953
01:30Neurulation
41.9K
Neurulation is the embryological process which forms the precursors of the central nervous system and occurs after gastrulation has established the three primary cell layers of the embryo: ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm. In humans, the majority of this system is formed via primary neurulation, in which the central portion of the ectoderm—originally appearing as a flat sheet of cells—folds upwards and inwards, sealing off to form a hollow neural tube. As development proceeds, the...
41.9K
01:15Neurogenesis and Regeneration of Nervous Tissue
806
In the CNS, neurogenesis, the birth of new neurons from stem cells, is limited to the hippocampus in adults. In other regions of the brain and spinal cord, neurogenesis is almost non-existent due to inhibitory influences from neuroglia, especially oligodendrocytes, and the absence of growth-stimulating cues. The myelin produced by oligodendrocytes in the CNS inhibits neuronal regeneration. Furthermore, astrocytes proliferate rapidly after neuronal damage, forming scar tissue that physically...
806
01:24Gonadal and Placental Hormones
1.5K
The gonads, namely the testes in males and the ovaries in females, are pivotal in producing gonadal hormones that orchestrate the intricate processes of sexual development and reproduction.
In males, testosterone is the primary gonadal androgen. It plays a central role in the maturation of male reproductive organs — the penis and testes. Additionally, testosterone is instrumental in the development of secondary sexual characteristics — a deep voice as well as facial and pubic hair...
In males, testosterone is the primary gonadal androgen. It plays a central role in the maturation of male reproductive organs — the penis and testes. Additionally, testosterone is instrumental in the development of secondary sexual characteristics — a deep voice as well as facial and pubic hair...
1.5K
01:20Proliferative Phase
481
The proliferative phase typically occurs after menstruation and lasts between 6 to 13 days in a standard 28-day cycle. This phase involves the reconstruction of the endometrium, guided by estrogen produced by the developing ovarian follicle.
Notably, the stratum basale, the basal layer of the endometrium, including the basal parts of the uterine glands, remains unaffected by menstruation. Stem cells in this layer undergo mitosis, regenerating the stratum functionalis and thickening the...
Notably, the stratum basale, the basal layer of the endometrium, including the basal parts of the uterine glands, remains unaffected by menstruation. Stem cells in this layer undergo mitosis, regenerating the stratum functionalis and thickening the...
481