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

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. Pozo, Clara Pretus, Susana Carmona () and Oscar Vilarroya ()
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Camila Servin-Barthet: Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona
Magdalena Martínez-García: Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañon
María Paternina-Die: Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañon
Luis Marcos-Vidal: Hospital del Mar Research Institute
Daniel Martín de Blas: Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañon
Anna Soler: Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona
Olha Khymenets: Hospital del Mar Research Institute
Daniel Bergé: Hospital del Mar Research Institute
Gemma Casals: Hospital Clínic de Barcelona
Pilar Prats: Hospital Universtiari Dexeus
Oscar J. Pozo: Hospital del Mar Research Institute
Clara Pretus: Hospital del Mar Research Institute
Susana Carmona: Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañon
Oscar Vilarroya: Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona

Nature Communications, 2025, vol. 16, issue 1, 1-14

Abstract: 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.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-55830-0

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