A neuroscientist scanned her brain during pregnancy and postpartum. It changed in 2 major ways.

In the brain, gray matter refers to areas with large concentrations of neurons and plays a huge role in cognitive and emotional functioning.

Chrastril said about 80% of the regions in her brain experienced a decrease in gray matter, averaging a 4% decrease. The findings were consistent with past studies on gray matter reduction during pregnancy, which can last up to two years postpartum.

Reduced gray matter is associated with health risks like depression. While Chrastil “didn’t feel too bad” during pregnancy, she said further studies with more participants could help with treating conditions like postpartum depression.

Her brain increased connectivity

She hopes that more research will uncover the purpose of all these changes, such as how white matter changes influence maternal care and preparedness.

“We really need more people to be able to answer that question,” she said.