A new study published in Nature Neuroscience reveals that pregnancy causes a reduction in certain areas of gray matter in women’s brains. These changes likely influence how expectant mothers perceive the actions, intentions, and emotions of those around them, with effects lasting up to two years as pregnancy brain evolves into mom brain.
And honestly, is anyone really surprised? New mothers are so preoccupied with keeping their tiny humans alive and navigating the sleep-deprived chaos that the “feelings” of anyone else become pretty irrelevant.
Let’s be real: what actually matters? Sleep matters. Surviving another 10 hours with a baby who thinks your body is an all-night buffet matters. Producing more milk matters. Dealing with the nightmare that is mastitis matters. Mesh panties? Totally matters. Ensuring our partners remember to bring home takeout for eternity? Absolutely essential. Avoiding public incidents involving wet pants? Definitely a priority. The feelings of others? Only if they belong to our cranky toddler and we need to escape the grocery store with all limbs intact.
The study indicated that beyond the ability to recognize faces and interpret emotional cues, they weren’t entirely sure which areas of gray matter were impacted. Well, as a proud owner of a pregnant body twice, I have a few theories about which areas might be affected by pregnancy brain (and beyond):
- The area that reminds you it’s time to wash your hair. Honestly, I’m pretty sure dry shampoo was invented by someone expecting. And can we get a collective “thank you” for the return of the messy bun?
- Your sense of smell, mainly regarding your own unwashed self and your baby’s unique aroma. Otherwise, you could sniff out a rogue M&M from a passing minivan.
- The part that reminds you to be polite when strangers feel entitled to touch your baby bump. Just because it’s large doesn’t mean it’s an invitation.
- The amount of concern you have when trying on a bathing suit? Almost non-existent.
- The ability to tolerate anyone who isn’t as excited about your pregnancy as you are. If you don’t find cervical dilation fascinating, we’re done here.
- The area that allows you to endure the smell of frying meat, which could still induce nausea just by walking past a diner.
- The part of you that knows when to stop eating nachos before scaring someone. “Limits are for losers” was my personal motto.
- The part that prevents you from losing it when someone asks if you’re having twins. Unless you’ve seen an ultrasound, just don’t.
- The area in your brain that thinks wearing the same shirt for a week is totally acceptable because it’s the only thing that fits.
- The urge to throttle strangers in aisle 4 who feel compelled to share pregnancy horror stories. Yeah, I’m talking to you, random lady in the grocery store.
- Your complete lack of interest in any grooming or hair removal routine.
- The part that might have once envied celebrities’ flawless post-baby photos. We know better now.
- The ability to tune out a crying baby? Good luck with that; once you’re a mom, you’ll always be just a little on edge when you hear a baby cry.
- The capacity to focus on anything besides the little human you just brought into the world. Seriously, it’s like they take over your brain.
- And finally, the part of you that would never dream of smothering your snoring partner at 3 a.m. If only they knew how vulnerable they really are while we’re wide awake.
These are just a few of the brain regions possibly affected by pregnancy. I can’t recall everything since I’ve had pregnancy brain twice! Our little bundles of joy may steal our memories, bodies, and sleep, but they’re worth every moment of chaos.
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Summary
A study reveals that pregnancy alters women’s brains, particularly in areas related to emotional perception, leading many mothers to feel overwhelmed and unfocused on anything but their babies and survival. The changes can last up to two years, affecting everything from self-care to patience for unsolicited advice.