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Pregnancy alters woman's brain 'for at least two years'

bbc.com

1–10 of 138 posts

Re: Pregnancy alters woman's brain 'for at least two years'

#4
We had our first born 7 months ago. I can tell you baby brain is real :)

My wife, herself, recognise she became more centered around the baby, less forgiving and more selfish. Also less patience.

But hey I'm not complaining, I love our little man. Nature is wonderful.

Re: Pregnancy alters woman's brain 'for at least two years'

#5
I never thought a reduction could result in an improvement. The brain is so fascinating!

"The researchers found "substantial" reductions in the volume of grey matter in the brains of first-time mothers. The grey matter changes occurred in areas of the brain involved in social interactions used for attributing thoughts and feelings to other people - known as "theory-of-mind" tasks. The researchers thought this would give new mothers an advantage in various ways - help them recognise the needs of their child, be more aware of potential social threats and become more attached to their baby."

Re: Pregnancy alters woman's brain 'for at least two years'

#8
post #6

"women's brains"? Or was it just one lady? Come on journalism, be clear in your meaning.

Stop trolling.

  And they compared these women's brains with those of 19 first-time 
  fathers, 17 men without children and 20 women who had never given birth.

Re: Pregnancy alters woman's brain 'for at least two years'

#9
post #6

"women's brains"? Or was it just one lady? Come on journalism, be clear in your meaning.

Stop trolling. And they compared these women's brains with those of 19 first-time fathers, 17 men without children and 20 women who had never given birth.

It would have been interesting to also compare women pregnant with their second child. Is this phenomenon only seen in first time mothers?

Re: Pregnancy alters woman's brain 'for at least two years'

#10
post #3

Brain differences between the sexes are real, but we should interpret them with caution.

There is very little interpretation in this article and none about the differences, just a note that men's brains are not structurally changed.

Is this a pre-emptive warning to fellow commentators?

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