United States: New research published in Science Advances demonstrates how pregnancy induces minor changes to brain functions which support the development of postpartum depression among new mothers whose incidence reaches 1 in 7. Scientists found evidence that both the amygdala and hippocampus serve as major brain regions which might influence the development of postpartum mood disorders, as reported by HealthDay.
The Study: Tracking Brain Changes in Pregnancy
A scientific investigation tracked brain alterations in 88 initial pregnant females who maintained depression-free backgrounds before their pregnancy. Scientists performed brain scans on pregnant women during the final months of pregnancy and obtained another set of brain scans after the birth of their child. The researchers studied 30 women who did not have pregnancies to function as part of the control group.
Results showed that:
✔️ People with postpartum depression exhibited enlarged amygdala structures that control emotional responses.
✔️ People who underwent traumatic childbirth developed larger hippocampal regions that control emotional reactions.
✔️ Negative birth experiences contributed to heightened depression symptoms.
What This Means for New Mothers
Dr. Susana Carmona from the Madrid-based Neuromaternal Laboratory stated that amygdala brain alterations could serve as predictors for postpartum depression risks yet the changes might stem from depressive states.
The research team led by Dr. Sheila Shanmugan of the University of Pennsylvania psychiatry department underlines the initial nature of this discovery, as reported by HealthDay.
“This is the first step in understanding how pregnancy-related brain changes impact mental health, and how we can intervene early.”
Looking Ahead: What’s Next?
Expert researchers underline that early detection and intervention should be a priority because of the biological factors observed in postpartum depression. Researchers will direct future investigations to identify exact brain structures which are most impacted by postpartum mental distress while developing treatment options available for new mothers managing their mental health.