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MNN Global · March 4, 2026 · 1 min read

Pregnancy causes grey matter loss in women’s brains, study finds

What happened: Scientists scanned the brains of pregnant women and found a reduction in grey matter, which may prepare them for motherhood. This challenges the stereotype of 'baby brain' as simply cognitive decline.

Why it matters:

  • The brain changes could enhance maternal behaviour and bonding with the baby.
  • Understanding these changes helps shift perceptions of pregnancy-related cognitive effects.

MNN Take: The study suggests that grey matter loss during pregnancy is a natural adaptation to motherhood rather than a deficit, highlighting the brain's plasticity in response to life stages.

Sources: BBC Health (Lifestyle)