Pregnancy Brain Changes Study Explained; Gray Matter Vs White Matter Functions | Sehatnama- Women’s brain changes when they are pregnant: Memory weakens, internal communication of the brain becomes faster, understand it scientifically

PreDuring pregnancy, new changes happen in a woman’s body every day. Most of the physical changes can be seen from outside. But apart from this, there are many changes that we cannot see. There are many changes related to hormonal, heart, respiratory, digestive and urinary tract. All these natural changes are preparing the woman for childbirth.

Now a study published in Nature Neuroscience has revealed that during pregnancy, many changes take place in the brain along with the body of a woman. No such study has been done before. There can be many reasons behind this. First of all, women have never been at the center of science and research. The second reason is that it was never thought that changes also take place in the brain of a woman during pregnancy.

These changes in the brain help women become better mothers. This makes them more capable of understanding their child’s emotions and needs. Due to this change, they also have to face many problems like memory loss.

so today ‘health report‘ We will know what changes happen in the brain of women during pregnancy?

What the study found

A study on the brain of a pregnant woman, published on September 16 in Nature Neuroscience, revealed that during pregnancy, women not only undergo physical changes, but also many mental changes. Even the structure of the brain changes. The outer layer of the brain starts becoming thin. The volume of this part also starts decreasing. While the inner layer of the brain becomes thicker and its volume also increases during this time.

See the full details of this study in the graphic below.

What is the function of grey matter in the brain

Grey matter is the outer layer of the brain, which is made up of neurons and the tissues that help them function. What function does this grey matter perform, see in the graphic-

Regular exercise, a balanced diet and adequate 7 hours of sleep are very important for the good health of this part of the brain. Since changes are taking place in the woman’s brain during pregnancy and the grey matter is decreasing, it becomes even more important to take care of it.

What is the function of white matter in the brain

White matter is the inner layer of the brain. It helps in strengthening the connections of neurons and transmitting signals faster. See the detailed graphic-

For its good health, it is important to stay away from smoking and all intoxicating things. Exercise daily, get enough sleep and increase omega-3 rich foods in the diet.

Why does the brain change during pregnancy?

All the natural changes in our body happen due to some reason or the other. During this time, nature is preparing us for future situations.

Understand it this way that if a lion suddenly appears in front of us or we get trapped in a fire, then the ‘fight or flight mode’ turns on in the brain. This means that during this time our brain rapidly releases such hormones, with the help of which we are either able to face it or run away and save ourselves. According to gynecologist Dr. Shilpa, all these changes are normal.

These changes in the brain are necessary before becoming a mother

When a woman becomes a mother for the first time, she does not have much knowledge about the body language of babies. In such a situation, these changes in the brain during pregnancy are preparing women to understand the body language (non-verbal) of newborn babies in a better way. A newborn baby does not have any language to express his needs. That is why he cries every time he is hungry, when his pants are wet, when he gets hurt, when he is thirsty, when he needs sleep. The mother understands from the way the child cries what he needs. This is possible only due to this change in the brain.

These changes in the gray matter and white matter of the brain bring the mother closer to her child. This strengthens the connection between the two.

Memory and decision making are impaired

There is no change in the father’s mind

According to a study published in Nature Neuroscience in 2016, there is no change in the structure of the father’s brain during this period. This change occurs only in the structure of the mother’s brain.