Many pregnant women and new mothers experience forgetfulness and difficulty concentrating.
Researchers believe this is not only caused by lack of sleep or stress. According to National Geographic, major changes take place in the brain during pregnancy.
Studies show that the brain adapts in order to better understand and respond to a child’s needs.
This especially affects areas involved in interpreting emotions and social signals.
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New patterns
During subsequent pregnancies, the brain appears to change in a different way.
Researchers from Amsterdam UMC found evidence in a study published in Nature Communications suggesting that the brain becomes more focused on attention and rapid responses.
This may help mothers keep track of several things at once and react quickly in everyday life.
At the same time, changes occur in the brain’s connections that are important for movement and sensory processing.
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Lasts for several years
Although many women feel more forgetful during pregnancy, researchers do not believe that the brain becomes less capable.
Instead, it simply prioritizes differently and uses more resources for emotional understanding and caregiving.
Several studies also suggest that these changes may help protect against postpartum depression.
Researchers also emphasize that the brain does not completely return to its previous state after pregnancy.
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Pregnancy does not weaken the brain but changes it so it can better adapt to the role of being a parent.
Sources: National Geographic and Nature Communications.
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