Under certain circumstances
Study: Parenthood also changes fathers’ brains
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The baby is here and suddenly the view of the world is different. Moms adjust to the little ones – also neurologically. According to a new study, fathers are no exception.
Having a baby doesn’t just change relationship dynamics. It even leads to changes in the parents’ brains. This has already been proven several times in mothers and may have something to do with hormonal changes. Studies have found that the brain adapts to the new circumstances and changes during pregnancy. This is called neuroplasticity and is the ability of the brain to change its structure and functions in such a way that it can react optimally to new influences and requirements.
Gray cells decrease during pregnancy
One study found that pregnancy in women led to a decrease in gray matter in the brain. This substance is made up of billions of neurons that form a thin layer on the brain’s surface. Among other things, intelligence is associated with it, but it is also associated with memories and emotions. According to scientists, one possible reason for this effect could be that the woman’s focus changes as a result of pregnancy. He changes from himself to the fetus in order to better care for it.
After birth, not only the gray cells increased, but also the volume in other parts of the brain. However, the brain structures of a mom and a non-mom are so different that an algorithm can use scans to tell the difference. Further studies assume that there are long-lasting effects in which mothers differ from childless women and which still need to be explored.
And what about fathers?
New dads’ brains change too. Because taking care of a baby is a skill that has to be learned by them too. This learning is similar to learning a new language or instrument and is a type of experience-based change in the brain, the research says. One study found that this change also occurs in homosexual male caregivers. When the primary caregiver was shown a photo of the child, they showed a stronger connection to the part of the brain associated with parenting than less involved caregivers.
Study shows how fathers’ brains can change
One investigation of 40 men (compared to a control group of 17 men who did not become fathers during the period) suggests that the brains of new fathers also change. Fathers from both the USA and Spain took part in the study. It turned out that during the relationship person’s pregnancy, changes in areas of the cortex could already be found that could be linked to visual processing, attention and empathy with the baby. Compared to the effects on mothers, however, the effects were only half as pronounced.
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The scientists suspect that there is a connection between the change in the brain and the commitment of the father as a parent. For example, the effects for Spanish fathers were greater than for American ones. According to the researchers, this could be due to the fact that in Spain they have the opportunity to take paid paternity leave, while men in the USA usually do not have it. The adaptation of the brain to fatherhood could even lead to men being better able to deal with their babies – a win-win situation for father and child. According to the scientists, however, further research is necessary to confirm the assumption.
Sources used: active.medicalpark.de, Max Planck Society, medlexi.de, nature communications, pnas.org, neurosciencenews.com
This article originally appeared on ELTERN.