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Pregnancy entails a U-shaped trajectory in human brain structure linked to hormones and maternal attachment

Author

Listed:
  • Camila Servin-Barthet

    (Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona
    Hospital del Mar Research Institute)

  • Magdalena Martínez-García

    (Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañon
    University of California)

  • María Paternina-Die

    (Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañon
    Universidad Carlos III de Madrid
    Instituto de Salud Carlos III)

  • Luis Marcos-Vidal

    (Hospital del Mar Research Institute)

  • Daniel Martín de Blas

    (Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañon
    Universidad Carlos III de Madrid
    Instituto de Salud Carlos III)

  • Anna Soler

    (Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona
    Hospital del Mar Research Institute)

  • Olha Khymenets

    (Hospital del Mar Research Institute)

  • Daniel Bergé

    (Hospital del Mar Research Institute
    Instituto de Salud Carlos III
    Universitat Pompeu Fabra)

  • Gemma Casals

    (Hospital Clínic de Barcelona
    August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS)
    University of Barcelona)

  • Pilar Prats

    (Hospital Universtiari Dexeus)

  • Oscar J. Pozo

    (Hospital del Mar Research Institute)

  • Clara Pretus

    (Hospital del Mar Research Institute
    Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona)

  • Susana Carmona

    (Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañon
    Instituto de Salud Carlos III)

  • Oscar Vilarroya

    (Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona
    Hospital del Mar Research Institute)

Abstract

Growing evidence places the gestational period as a unique moment of heightened neuroplasticity in adult life. In this longitudinal study spanning pre, during, and post pregnancy, we unveil a U-shaped trajectory in gray matter (GM) volume, which dips in late pregnancy and partially recovers during postpartum. These changes are most prominent in brain regions associated with the Default Mode and Frontoparietal Network. The U-shaped trajectory is predominantly linked to gestational factors, as it only presents in gestational mothers and correlates with fluctuations in estrogens over time. Finally, the mother’s mental health status mediates the relationship between postpartum GM volume recovery and maternal attachment at 6 months postpartum. This research sheds light on the complex interplay between hormones, brain development, and behavior during the transition to motherhood. It addresses a significant knowledge gap in the neuroscience of human pregnancy and opens new possibilities for interventions aimed at enhancing maternal health and well-being.

Suggested Citation

  • Camila Servin-Barthet & Magdalena Martínez-García & María Paternina-Die & Luis Marcos-Vidal & Daniel Martín de Blas & Anna Soler & Olha Khymenets & Daniel Bergé & Gemma Casals & Pilar Prats & Oscar J., 2025. "Pregnancy entails a U-shaped trajectory in human brain structure linked to hormones and maternal attachment," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-14, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-55830-0
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-55830-0
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Elseline Hoekzema & Henk Steenbergen & Milou Straathof & Arlette Beekmans & Inga Marie Freund & Petra J. W. Pouwels & Eveline A. Crone, 2022. "Mapping the effects of pregnancy on resting state brain activity, white matter microstructure, neural metabolite concentrations and grey matter architecture," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 13(1), pages 1-17, December.
    2. Yekutieli, Daniel, 2008. "Hierarchical False Discovery RateControlling Methodology," Journal of the American Statistical Association, American Statistical Association, vol. 103, pages 309-316, March.
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