The brain fog and forgetfulness that may accompany pregnancy and postpartum is almost always described negatively as "mommy brain"--but this phenomenal brain plasticity needs a rebrand.

What's actually happening is that the brain, like almost every other organ in the body, is adapting to the dramatic state of pregnancy. Some changes are transitory in the brain, as they are in the body. Some are more permanent.

Going forward, let's be impressed by our ability to neurologically prepare for the new world we are creating with our bodies.

Today's guest has done research on this very issue: the impact of hormones during pregnancy on the brain. By combining imaging technology, neuroendocrinology and neuroscience, she examines how sex hormones impact human brain function in pregnancy.

Dr. Pritschet's paper on hormones and the brain during pregnancy:  https://www.nature.com/articles/s41593-024-01741-0

Want to participate in this work:  https://wbhi.ucsb.edu/sites/default/files/docs/Flyers/Maternal%20Brain%20Project/Maternal%20Brain%20Project%20Flyer%20.pdf