The neurobiology of pregnancy remains a relatively uncharted area of research, despite its significant role in shaping maternal and fetal health. A study published in Nature Neuroscience focused on hippocampal segmentation and white matter microstructure and aimed to shed light on the neural changes that occur throughout pregnancy by employing advanced neuroimaging techniques.
The hippocampus, a critical region for memory and emotion, undergoes significant changes during pregnancy. Notably, the study found that the hippocampal subregions underwent distinct changes during pregnancy, with some regions showing linear growth patterns while others exhibited more complex, nonlinear trends. These findings align with the growing body of research suggesting that the brain undergoes significant restructuring during pregnancy, likely influenced by hormonal changes such as fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone levels.
Interestingly, the findings suggest that pregnancy influences the structural organization of white matter, with specific tracts showing significant changes in microstructure. The researchers employed a nonparametric statistical approach known as "connectometry" to correlate white matter structure with gestational week and sex steroid hormones. The high-resolution characterization provided by this technique enabled the identification of axonal orientation changes, which are thought to reflect adaptations in the brain’s connectivity during pregnancy.
These results contribute to the emerging understanding that the brain is highly plastic during pregnancy, with white matter changes potentially supporting shifts in cognition, emotional regulation, and sensory processing. As one of the study’s lead researchers, Jacobs, points out: "There is so much about the neurobiology of pregnancy that we don't understand yet, and it's not because women are too complicated. It's not because pregnancy is some Gordian knot. It's a byproduct of the fact that biomedical sciences have historically ignored women's health."
This quote underscores a critical issue within biomedical research — the underrepresentation of women's health in scientific studies. Historically, pregnancy and other aspects of female health have been sidelined, limiting the depth of knowledge available on such crucial topics. The current study is a step toward addressing this gap, contributing valuable insights into the neural underpinnings of pregnancy.
Sources: Nature Neuroscience, MedPage Today