The psychobiology of the pregnant brain and its implications

Abstract

This thesis examines the current literature on cognitive, behavioral, and psychological changes during pregnancy and postpartum and explores the concomitant changes in brain architecture and physiology that might account for these changes. A comparison between animal and human pregnant females reveals important similarities as well as differences. Most notably, cognitive functioning during pregnancy is enhanced in animals but is impaired in humans. Behavioral enhancements are evident in both animals and humans and may be associated with modifications of brain architecture, hormonal influences, and cross-placental interactions with fetal cells. These changes, whether deficits or enhancements, are significant as there is evidence indicating that they are cumulative and lasting. Furthermore, hormonal changes in particular may be associated with psychopathological risks both during pregnancy and postpartum. The consequences of impairments and enhancements were discussed in the context of a theory that interprets these changes as a reallocation of resources in the interest of prioritizing maternal behavior.