The solid hormonal imbalance during pregnancy, like the one we all go through during adolescence, causes brain changes that facilitate the relationship with the baby. Over time, understanding what happens in the maternal brain has been one of the mysterious questions that many mental health specialists have asked themselves.
It is not only a fact that pregnancy changes a woman's body, but it also changes the "functional and structural organization of the maternal brain," according to the annual study by the Society for Neuroscience.
"Reproductive experiences, such as pregnancy, have lasting effects on the structural and functional organization of the maternal brain," say the researchers, according to words collected. Brain changes in pregnancy and its symptoms: A unique event occurs in the brain of women who are about to become mothers; there are structural and neural changes.
During the process of becoming pregnant, there is a decrease in the brain contour. One of the most significant changes seen is neuropsychological: memory, attention, and increased selective attention to activities. This is caused by an increase in nerve connections that develops around the 28th week of pregnancy.
The reason? The development of the baby generates a hormonal increase that activates neural mechanisms. Therefore, the maternal brain is one of the most curious structures since it mixes the mother's and baby's development. Many of these alterations are also due to the mother's food intake. Feeding it will provide the baby with nutrients, lipids, proteins, and sugars.
However, on the other hand, it can be a risk factor for her since she can develop various types of hormonal and metabolic changes that could lead to emotional and behavioral changes: Changes in sexual desire, anxiety, mood, problems with concentration and memory, fantasies, fears, or dreams.
The mother's brain is affected by these psychological and neurological alterations produced by the molding and plasticity of the brain itself. In this way, these configurations show the nervous system's transformation as it is supported by new abilities that strengthen the bonds between the child and the mother.
How does pregnancy affect mental health conditions?
According to statements collected by Infobae researchers, anxiety and depression are the most common mental problems during pregnancy. They are revealing that in the United States, of the 3.5 million women who give birth each year, about 20% will be affected by these mental illnesses. If solutions are not sought, these mental disorders could have long-term adverse changes in the baby, parents, and families. Finally, they revealed that weeks after having a child, "nearly 70% of women experience sadness, lack of interest, anxiety, or other mood disorders." Of these, 20 percent may have "more severe and persistent postpartum depression."
The care of the woman before, during, and after her pregnancy is essential. Not only because she helps her baby grow and develop but also because it keeps them both healthy.
Share This Post On
0 comments
Leave a comment
You need to login to leave a comment. Log-in
