Study confirms that pregnancy partially resets the brain of the expecting mother
Recent studies by scientists at the Francis Crick Institute in Britain have shed light on a fascinating phenomenon related to pregnancy and motherhood. The research, conducted through mouse experiments, suggests that during pregnancy, the pregnancy hormone can cause rewiring of brain connections, even triggering maternal behaviors before the baby is born. This discovery may help explain why adult women who have given birth tend to be more attached to their children.
7 October 2023
As per scientists' explanations, during pregnancy, a series of hormonal changes occur in the body, which are responsible for these alterations. Edema, increased heart rate, accelerated blood flow, and hypertension are some of the physical changes that the expectant mothers undergo. The research findings imply that these transformations are triggered by pregnancy hormones, starting from the early stages of pregnancy.
The study has sparked numerous reactions on Chinese social media platform Weibo, with users expressing a range of emotions and opinions. Some have expressed concern over the potential implications of this research, fearing that it could be used to manipulate women's choices regarding childbearing and motherhood. Others have shared personal anecdotes about their own experiences with hormonal changes during pregnancy and after giving birth, further fueling discussions on the topic.
The study has also sparked a heated debate over gender roles and expectations. Some netizens have questioned why more attention is being given to female reproductive health and motherhood, while male reproductive health and fatherhood are often overlooked in scientific research. One user wrote, "Can't just focus on studying women, can you study how to let male siblings be able to give birth to children?" This sentiment reflects the growing conversation around gender equality and challenging traditional gender roles.
The discovery has also reignited discussions about the emotional and physical challenges of motherhood. Many users have shared their experiences, with some expressing empathy for new mothers who may experience temporary cognitive changes or hormonal fluctuations after giving birth. Others have joked about the so-called "three-year stupidity" that follows childbirth, a reference to the idea that women become less intelligent and more focused on their children during this period.
Furthermore, some Weibo users have expressed concern over potential misinterpretation or exploitation of these findings by those seeking to control or manipulate individuals' reproductive choices. A user shared a humorous image of a father-in-law leaving his four-year-old child alone on the beach to go back and retrieve his phone, highlighting the absurdity of such a scenario while also underscoring the challenges of balancing parenthood with other aspects of life.
In conclusion, the recent study from the Francis Crick Institute has sparked a lively discussion on Weibo, covering everything from scientific inquiry to personal anecdotes and societal expectations. The revelation that pregnancy partially resets the brain of expecting mothers is indeed fascinating and could have significant implications for our understanding of motherhood and gender roles in society.
