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Pregnant women's brains shed grey matter to prime them for motherhood, study suggests

By on March 6 2026
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Chart showing average change in grey matter over the term of a pregnancy

Recent research shows pregnancy physically "rewires" the brain, reducing grey matter by 5% to help women bond with their babies. Scientists compare this to "pruning a tree"—removing certain branches so the brain works more efficiently for motherhood. These changes improve empathy and help new mothers prioritize their infants' needs.