SCIENCE INSPIRED POETRY
Mommy Brain
How Pregnancy Hormones Influence Maternal Behavior
long before baby’s first cry
neurons are getting ready
paving the way
listening
to the sweet rhtyhm
pregnancy hormones
find a way
to twist and shout
estrogen and progesterone
have a special effect
on certain brain cells
preparing the mind
for when babies appear
even before they draw
their first breath
old tales aboud
that childbirth does
sparks the mom's love
a new study now reveals
that hormones during pregnancy
play a part
in shaping
a mom's loving heart
and the brain gets ready
for the motherhood roar
these findings
aren't just for mice
they hint at the story
for you and me
nature's dance
of hormones and brain
shapes motherhood and more
beautiful lifelong bonds
truly a marvel
the miracle of birth
pregnancy sparks a mom's delight
long before the baby's first cry so dear
as if the brain's already whispering
Get ready - "Motherhood is near"
Happy Mother's Day to all!As the wise saying goes, “Mothers know best” Let’s face it, even under the best circumstances parenting, and especially motherhood can feel like navigating multiple storms of uncertainty all at once. And let us not forget babies don’t exactly come with a how-to guide, do they? Well, not exactly. It appears nature may have paved the way for expectant mothers by fine-tuning certain neural networks, perhaps to help them synchronize with their soon-to-arrive bundles of joy, who will rely on them for everything.
Setting everything else aside, pregnancy stands as a remarkable journey, impacting not only the body but also the inner workings of the brain and mind. In a recent investigation by researchers at the Francis Crick Institute, a fascinating revelation emerged regarding the pivotal role of pregnancy hormones in reshaping the maternal brain, long before the little one makes their grand entrance.
Published in Science, the study reveals that estrogen and progesterone, two key pregnancy hormones, act on specific neurons in the brain to activate parental behavior in mice. This rewiring process occurs during late pregnancy and doesn’t necessarily require exposure to offspring.
Traditionally, it was believed that maternal behavior in rodents was primarily triggered by hormones released during childbirth. However, previous research hinted that hormonal changes during pregnancy might play a more significant role. This study confirms that notion by demonstrating that pregnancy hormones can induce parental behavior even in the absence of pups.
The researchers pinpointed a group of neurons in the medial preoptic area (MPOA) of the hypothalamus, known as galanin-expressing neurons, as central players in this process. Estrogen and progesterone work together to modulate the activity and connectivity of these neurons, priming them for parenting responsibilities.
Remarkably, when these neurons were made insensitive to hormones, maternal behavior failed to manifest, indicating a critical period during pregnancy when hormonal effects are most pronounced.
Lead researcher Jonny Kohl describes these findings as evidence of the brain’s proactive preparation for motherhood. Just as the body undergoes changes to support childbirth and lactation, the brain undergoes its own adaptations to ensure successful parenting.
The study’s first author, Rachida Ammari, emphasizes the concept of brain plasticity during pregnancy, highlighting the brain’s ability to rewire itself in anticipation of future challenges. By exploring the sources of input to these neurons, the researchers hope to gain a deeper understanding of how the brain prepares for parenthood.
Importantly, these findings may extend beyond mice to humans, suggesting that similar hormonal changes during pregnancy could influence maternal behavior in people. This underscores the complex interplay between biology, environment, and social factors in shaping parental instincts.
In essence, this study unveils the intricate dance between hormones and the brain, revealing how pregnancy lays the foundation for maternal behavior long before the first cries of a newborn fill the air. It’s a testament to the marvels of nature and the profound ways in which motherhood transforms not just the body, but also the mind.
So — dear reader — as you honor and celebrate Mother’s Day, perhaps this is also a poignant reminder that nature, our ultimate nurturer, has been quietly looking out for us. Recent insights from research shed light on how nature cares for us in ways we are undoubtedly only just beginning to understand. Amidst the complexities, one thing shines clear: the boundless selflessness of maternal love. Whether it’s found in the embrace of a biological mother or a nurturing figure in our lives, may we cherish and appreciate it all. From one mother to all the mothers, and to our beloved Earth, happy Mother’s Day! Thank you for the endless love and care you provide.
Thank you so much for reading!
