During pregnancy, a woman's body undergoes new changes every day. Most physical changes can be seen from the outside. But apart from this there are many changes which we do not see. Many hormonal, cardiac, respiratory, digestive and urinary changes also occur. All these natural changes are preparing the woman for childbirth.
Now a study published in Nature Neuroscience has revealed that a woman's body undergoes many changes during pregnancy as well as her brain. No such study has been done before. There can be many reasons behind it. First of all, women have never been at the center of science and research. Another reason is that it was never thought that a woman's brain changes during pregnancy.
These brain changes help women become better mothers. This makes them better able to understand their child's feelings and needs. Due to this change, they also face many problems like memory loss.
So, today' Health waterIn ' we will know what changes occur in the brain of women during pregnancy?
What do these changes in the brain mean?
What is the function of gray matter and white matter in the brain?
Do men's brains change too?
How much does this help in bonding between baby and mother?
What the study found A study of pregnant women's brains published on September 16 in Nature Neuroscience found that women undergo not only physical changes during pregnancy, but also many psychological ones. The structure of the brain also changes. The outer layer of the brain begins to thin. The volume of this portion also starts to decrease. When the inner layer of the brain thickens and meanwhile its volume also increases.
See the full details of this study in the graphic below.
What is the function of gray matter in the brain? Gray matter is the outer layer of the brain, made up of neurons and tissues that help them function. What does this gray matter do, see graphic- Regular exercise, balanced diet and 7 hours of adequate sleep are essential for good health of this part of the brain. As a woman's brain undergoes changes and gray matter decreases during pregnancy, it becomes more important to take care of it.
What is the function of white matter in the brain? White matter is the innermost layer of the brain. It helps by strengthening the connections of neurons and transmitting signals faster. See details in graphic-
For good health, abstinence from smoking and all intoxicants is essential. Exercise daily, get enough sleep and increase omega-3 rich foods in your diet.
Why does the brain change during pregnancy? All natural changes in our body occur for some reason. During this time, nature is preparing us for future circumstances. In this way, understand that if suddenly a lion appears in front of us or if we get caught in a fire, the 'fight or flight mode' is activated in the brain. This means that during this time, our brain rapidly releases hormones that help us fight or flee to protect 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 of the body language of babies. As such, these changes in the brain during pregnancy prepare women to better understand the body language (non-verbal) of newborns. A newborn baby has no language to express its needs. That's why he cries when he's hungry, when his pants are wet, when he's hurt, when he's thirsty, when he needs sleep. From the way the baby cries, the mother understands what the baby wants. This is possible only because of this change in the brain.
These changes in the brain's gray matter and white matter bring the mother closer to her baby. This strengthens the connection between the two.
Memory and decision-making ability are impaired
- A decrease in the amount of gray matter in the brain can cause some memory loss. This is the reason why after few months of pregnancy women start to forget small things.
- Gray matter is responsible for our decision-making ability. In such a situation decision making ability is also affected due to low volume.
- Decreased gray matter makes it difficult to concentrate on any task. It becomes difficult to keep your things organized.
- A study in this regard has been published in the National Library of Medicine. It has been revealed that more than 80% of pregnant women go through pregnancy brain.
There is no change in the father's mind According to a study published in Nature Neuroscience in 2016, the structure of the father's brain does not change during this period. This change takes place in the structure of the mother's brain.
Image Credit: (Divya-Bhaskar): Images/graphics belong to (Divya-Bhaskar).
