Dr. Laura Pritschet, a postdoctoral fellow of psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania, is conducting research using precision scans to study the changes that occur in the brain during pregnancy. In an interview with Ian Sample, she discusses the findings of her research and their implications for understanding conditions such as pre-eclampsia and postnatal depression.
Dr. Pritschet explains that the brain undergoes significant reorganization during pregnancy, with changes occurring in areas responsible for memory, emotion, and social cognition. These changes are likely due to hormonal fluctuations and other factors associated with pregnancy. By using precision scans, Dr. Pritschet is able to capture these changes in detail, providing valuable insights into how the brain adapts to pregnancy.
The research also sheds light on why women’s brains have often been overlooked in neuroscience. Dr. Pritschet points out that many studies in the field have focused on male brains, leading to a lack of understanding of how female brains function. By studying the changes that occur in the brain during pregnancy, researchers can better understand the unique neurological processes that occur in women.
Overall, Dr. Pritschet’s research has the potential to improve our understanding of conditions like pre-eclampsia and postnatal depression, which can have significant impacts on maternal and infant health. By studying the brain during pregnancy, researchers can develop new treatments and interventions to support the mental health of pregnant women and new mothers.
The interview with Dr. Pritschet highlights the importance of considering the unique physiological changes that occur in women’s bodies, and the need for further research in this area. Her groundbreaking work using precision scans offers a new perspective on the brain’s adaptations during pregnancy and has the potential to benefit women’s health in the future.
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