New research reveals the brain’s adaptations and neurological changes during motherhood. While “mommy brain” is accurate, it may be a sign of the brain’s incredible rewiring to excel at nurturing a child.
“Mommy brain” (also known as baby brain, “momnesia”, and pregnancy brain) has been a catch-all term for the memory lapses, mental fog, and concentration difficulties experienced by many women during and after pregnancy. Often framed as a deficit, new research and perspectives suggest a more nuanced story, revealing the brain’s remarkable capacity to adapt to motherhood. Matrescence is when significant transformations happen to the brain and body in preparation for the demands of caring for a newborn. The postpartum period involves increased responsibilities and increasing cognitive load for new mothers. This cognitive load continues to adjust dynamically as the child grows and develops. During this period, profound changes and interactions exist between environmental factors, hormonal fluctuations, and neurobiological changes. Therefore, understanding these adaptations allows healthcare professionals to support mothers in better navigating this transformative period and rewriting the negative narrative of the “mommy brain”.
“Mommy Brain” is Real
For many women, “mommy brain” is a very real experience that can impact daily life. Researchers use a meta-analysis method, which combines data from multiple studies, to provide strong evidence for the existence of a “mommy brain.” In one such study, researchers found that pregnant women, particularly in their third trimester, scored significantly lower on tests measuring general cognitive function, memory, and executive function compared to non-pregnant women. In twenty of the studies analysed, cognitive functioning is significantly poorer in pregnant women (effect size of 0.5 measured by standardised mean difference).
Memory performance, assessed in 19 studies using various recall and recognition tasks, also showed a decline between the first and second trimesters in pregnant women compared to the control group. Executive functions include attention, planning, problem-solving, juggling thoughts, and the ability to suppress inappropriate responses. While some studies show a decline in some of these executive functions in pregnant women compared to non-pregnant women, recent research suggests that they improve over time. Mothers show superior executive function and attention three years following birth. This research underscores the importance of acknowledging and supporting the cognitive challenges pregnant women and new mothers face.
Possible Explanations for “Mommy Brain”
Due to the increased demands of expecting a newborn, the mother’s brain and body change profoundly. A complex interplay of factors contributes to the cognitive changes called “mommy brain”. These cognitive changes are impacted by environmental factors, hormonal fluctuations, and neurobiological changes. In addition, mood and sleep also influence cognition. Higher levels of depression, which is common during pregnancy and postpartum, are associated with poorer memory performance. A similar link exists between cognition and sleep, where poor sleep negatively impacts memory and overall cognitive function.
Neurological changes also contribute to the “mommy brain”. Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) techniques, researchers observed some notable brain grey matter volume reductions during pregnancy, particularly in areas associated with memory, attention, and theory-of-mind or Default Mode Network. Further, after giving birth, the drastic drop in estradiol and progesterone also causes a mother’s brain to undergo significant changes, particularly in the first six weeks.
Motherhood Remodels the Brain
Beyond the ‘Mommy Brain’ Myth
The term “mommy brain” often overlooks the development of new skills during motherhood. The reduction of grey matter during pregnancy predicts the quality of mother-to-infant attachment and the absence of hostility toward babies. Postpartum, researchers observe grey matter volume increases in the various brain regions, including the subcortical regions like the thalamus and caudate. The larger volumes in these subcortical areas correlate with mothers’ positive perception of their babies.
In a recent study by Nehls et al., published last month in Translational Psychiatry, the researchers explored the longitudinal changes in grey matter volume immediately after childbirth up to 12 weeks postpartum. They found critical changes in the brain regions involved in emotional and social interactions, like the amygdala and prefrontal cortex. These alterations influence a mother’s feelings of attachment and reduce hostile behaviour towards her child. Even after 12 weeks postpartum, some brain regions have not returned to their pre-pregnancy state, suggesting long-lasting effects and the importance of these regions for parenting.
Motherhood: Neurological Enhancements and Lifelong Adaptations
Motherhood confers life-long changes to brain structure. Beyond cognitive shifts, mothers also adapt through neural compensation, where the brain activates different pathways or recruits additional mechanisms to support similar tasks and behaviours. Mothers often report improved multitasking, prioritisation, and complex problem-solving abilities. Four studies investigating brain grey matter volume changes in mothers revealed that mothers with more children tend to have brains that appear ‘younger,’ suggesting a possible neuroprotective effect of motherhood. Furthermore, having more children correlates with a larger hippocampus volume, and elderly mothers show a positive correlation between the number of children and cortical thickness in the parahippocampal gyrus, underscoring the profound and enduring impact of motherhood on brain structure.
From Deficits to Adaptations: A Shift in Perspective
Rather than focusing on the temporary memory lapses and brain fog, it is crucial to recognise the significant advantages these brain changes bring. Mothers exhibit enhanced parenting skills, superior multitasking capabilities, increased sensitivity to their infants’ needs, and are more attuned to their babies’ cries and facial expressions, fostering bonding. Studies also suggest the neuroprotective benefits of motherhood in the long term. Therefore, support for mothers who experience “mommy brain” can be greatly improved by shifting both their own and societal perceptions towards these cognitive transformations and changing the narrative.
Supporting Mothers Through Cognitive Shifts
Here is how healthcare professionals can empower mothers during this time:
- Open Communication: Encourage mothers to share their experiences without judgement.
- Validation and Education: Acknowledge the challenges associated with these changes while explaining the science behind neuroplasticity. Educate mothers and society on the benefits of these neurological changes. Reframe the narrative from decline to adaptation.
- Cognitive Strategies: Offer practical tips for managing forgetfulness, such as using lists, reminders, and visual cues. Encourage delegation and prioritising tasks.
- Sleep Hygiene Promotion: Sleep deprivation can exacerbate cognitive difficulties. Educate mothers on healthy sleep habits and address potential sleep disruptions caused by newborns.
- Mental Health Screening: While up to 80% of pregnant women report cognitive challenges, postpartum mood disorders like depression and anxiety are also often correlated with cognitive difficulties. It is crucial to differentiate postpartum mood disorders and “mommy brain”. Regularly screen for postpartum depression. Early identification and intervention are crucial for mothers experiencing significant emotional distress or cognitive difficulties.
- Support Networks: Encourage mothers to build support networks with partners, family, and friends. Connect them with local resources and support groups.
Conclusion: Empowering Mothers Through Transformation
“Mommy brain” is not a trivialisation of forgetfulness. It is a real phenomenon caused by a complex interplay of physical and environmental changes a woman’s brain undergoes to adapt to the demands of motherhood. These adaptations, while sometimes leading to cognitive challenges, ultimately enhance a mother’s ability to care for her child.
Healthcare professionals play a crucial role in supporting mothers during this transformative time. By fostering open communication, acknowledging the science behind these changes, and equipping mothers with practical strategies, they can empower women to navigate the cognitive shifts associated with pregnancy and motherhood. This collaborative approach can create a positive and supportive environment, validating mothers’ experiences and fostering a sense of confidence as they embark on this incredible journey.
References
- Orchard, E. R., Rutherford, H. J. V., Holmes, A. J., & Jamadar, S. D. (2023). Matrescence: Lifetime impact of motherhood on cognition and the brain. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 27(3), 302-316. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tics.2022.12.002
- Davies, S. J., Lum, J. A. G., Skouteris, H., Byrne, L. K., & Hayden, M. J. (2018). Cognitive impairment during pregnancy: A meta-analysis. Medical Journal of Australia, 208(2), 60-65. https://doi.org/10.5694/mja17.00131
- Miller, V., VanWormer, L. A., & Veile, A. (2020). Assessment of attention in biological mothers using the attention network test-revised. Current Psychology, 41(6), 3418-3427. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-020-00826-w
- Martínez-García, M., Paternina-Die, M., Desco, M., Vilarroya, O., & Carmona, S. (2021). Characterising the brain structural adaptations across the motherhood transition. Frontiers in Global Women’s Health, 2, 742775. https://doi.org/10.3389/fgwh.2021.742775
- Nehls, S., Losse, E., Enzensberger, C., Frodl, T., & Chechko, N. (2024). Time-sensitive changes in the maternal brain and their influence on mother-child attachment. Translational Psychiatry, 14(1), 84. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41398-024-02805-2
