On Wednesday, April 30, 2025, from 16:00 PM to 17:00 PM, a captivating webinar titled “Brain, pregnancy and pospartum“ took place online, led by neuroscientist Cristina Ballesteros. The session delved deeply into the neuroscience of motherhood, shedding light on the profound brain changes that occur during pregnancy and the postpartum period.
Cristina opened the webinar by explaining the intricate neurobiological transformations women undergo as a result of pregnancy and childbirth. She discussed how hormonal fluctuations, such as increases in oxytocin and prolactin, shape the brain’s structure and function, particularly in areas related to bonding, caregiving, and emotional regulation. These changes, she noted, are crucial for fostering maternal attachment and ensuring a mother’s ability to respond to her newborn’s needs.
The discussion then turned to the impact of pregnancy on the brain’s cognitive functions. Cristina highlighted how the brain undergoes significant restructuring, with certain regions—like those involved in memory and decision-making—becoming less active, while others, particularly those related to empathy and emotional processing, are enhanced. This neuroplasticity, she explained, helps mothers adapt to the challenges of new parenthood, though it can also contribute to emotional fluctuations, such as anxiety or mood disorders.
As the session continued, Cristina explored the neurobiological underpinnings of postpartum depression and anxiety, emphasizing that these conditions are not just psychological but are rooted in brain changes that occur during pregnancy and childbirth. She called for more research into how these brain shifts can be better understood and addressed, particularly in the context of maternal mental health.
Attendees engaged in a lively discussion about the implications of these findings for improving healthcare and support systems for new mothers. Many pointed out the importance of integrating neuroscience into maternal care, ensuring that women are not only supported emotionally but also receive a comprehensive understanding of the neurobiological changes they are experiencing.
Cristina concluded by stressing the need for greater public awareness about the neuroscience of motherhood. By normalizing these brain changes and their emotional impact, she argued, we can reduce the stigma around maternal mental health and encourage more open conversations about the science behind it.
We are deeply grateful to all the participants, whose insights and questions helped enrich the conversation and further our collective understanding of the neurobiology of motherhood!
