Drawing on scientific research and personal experience, writer and mother, Hannah Wickens shows how the neurological changes of pregnancy can equip women for deeper bonding, focus and care in the early months of a child’s life.
The commonly known colloquialism ‘baby brain’ has endured for decades as a rather derogatory label attached to forgetfulness in pregnant women. Since its inception, it has provided a credible explanation for pregnant ladies who are experiencing a sense of absentmindedness. The term can often be heard within jovial dialogue, thereby masking any potential embarrassment that may be felt by the propagator when forgetfulness strikes, as was my experience in pregnancy.
An initiative called ‘Be Mother Project’ commenced in 2020 in Spain to understand the process of adaptation within a woman’s brain during and after pregnancy. Co-lead Prof Susana Carmona was spokeswoman for recent BBC coverage of the project, and explained insights gained into how mild memory loss could have potential benefits, thereby correcting previous misconceptions.
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One hundred and twenty seven pregnant women participated alongside 52 women who had never been pregnant, as a comparison. Within this study, each participant had a total of five MRI scans and hormone tests and were asked to complete questionnaires to measure their emotions. The tests were spread over the months preceding, including and straight after pregnancy.
The findings showed a 5% decrease in areas of the brain linked to emotional regulation, information processing and empathy, which then partially returned by six months post-partum. Further research would be needed to reveal whether it completely restored over time. There weren’t any notable changes in the non-pregnant women, including the female partners of the pregnant women who would have been simultaneously preparing for motherhood.
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Greater brain changes equated to better bonding with baby upon arrival, an essential rewiring of the brain for motherhood
Greater brain changes equated to better bonding with baby upon arrival, an essential rewiring of the brain for motherhood. Prof Susana Carmona uses scriptural terminology in describing the process of structural changes in the brain, stating that it’s like ‘the pruning of a tree whereby the branches are cut to enable more effective growth’ which effectively transposes the passage in John 15 where Jesus talks about God pruning every branch not bearing fruit so that it may be even more fruitful in time.’
Interestingly, this finding links to evidence of similar nerve network pruning in teenage brains, in preparation for adulthood – all pointing to our creative God who has purpose in everything He does.
The redemptive nature of God is revealed through this study, demonstrating that a mild depletion of grey cells potentially enhances motherhood skills, by enforcing a single-minded focus on preparation for and then interaction with the baby.
I remember a sense of overwhelm having arrived home with our first daughter
I remember a sense of overwhelm having arrived home with our first daughter, after a tumultuous and unexpected week in hospital post-partum. She was diagnosed, after extensive testing, with congenital pneumonia. We were discharged with a caution to return if anything seemed untoward. My hypervigilant mind ramped into anxious mode at this instruction, having no idea as to what might constitute something of concern. I cried frequently, as did she (probably sensing my distress in addition to silent reflux issues); the GP offered medication to alleviate my anguish, but I knew it was a transitory season. I stabilised emotionally through meditating on God’s word each day which enhanced the process of rapid learning and re-prioritising. I streamlined my focus so that everything superfluous was shed along with, apparently, five per cent of my brain’s grey matter. I converted from presiding at work to residing at home in this essential time of bonding and healing known as the 4th trimester (after birth).
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God in His infinite wisdom and grace created women’s brains with neuroplasticity that recalibrates in pregnancy to prepare for such a huge life-changing event. That which was perceived as inefficiency in our high productivity environment, can be re-perceived as an opportunity to spend quality time bonding with the baby, and in the Word. God’s ways are perfect and it’s redemptive when science confirms the beauty of God’s creation. It’s spectacular to behold the reason for the rewiring of our brains in pregnancy.
Mothers need support from family and friends, those willing to be the hands and feet of Jesus, to assist them during a time of intense physical and mental change. Motherhood is one of the costliest and most rewarding jobs, and we can praise God for the way He wonderfully prepares us for it.
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