Ongoing Research projects

Neural reorganization of the brain underlying the adaptations for motherhood

During pregnancy, the brain experiences important adaptations that prepare women for the challenges of motherhood. Specifically, previous studies have revealed that the social cognition brain network of pregnant women undergoes systematic modifications, which persist for at least two years after childbirth, contributing to how mothers relate with their babies. The project will develop a model of adaptations that occur in women during pregnancy and the postpartum period. The project plans to establish when and how the brain is reorganised during pregnancy, the neuropsychological changes during this period, as well as identify the hormonal mediators that may participate in this brain reorganisation. The ultimate aim of the project is to integrate the neural, neuropsychological and metabolomic findings into a model of the development of maternal behaviour.

Funding

  • ERC-2019-ADG – ERC Advanced Grant (883069) (PI: Oscar Vilarroya; Amount: € 2,465,131; Duration: 2020-2025)
  • “la Caixa” Foundation LCF/PR/HR19/52160001 (PI: Oscar Vilarroya; Amount: 476,470 €; Duration: 2019-2022)
  • Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades RTI2018-093952-B-I00 (PI: Oscar Vilarroya; Amount: 133,100 €; Duration: 2019-2021)

Relevant publications

Camila Servin-Barthet, Magdalena Martínez-García, María Paternina-Die et al. Pregnancy Entails a U-Shaped Trajectory in Human Brain Structure Linked to Hormones and Maternal Attachment, 29 March 2024, Research Square. https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-4124712/v1

Servin-Barthet, C., Martínez-García, M., Pretus, C. Paternina-Die M, Soler A, Khymenets O, Pozo O, Leuner B, Vilarroya O*, Carmona S. The transition to motherhood: linking hormones, brain and behaviour. Nat. Rev. Neurosci. 24, 605–619 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41583-023-00733-6

Carmona S*, (…) Vilarroya O*, Desco M, and Hoekzema E (2019) Pregnancy and adolescence entail similar neuroanatomical adaptations: A comparative analysis of cerebral morphometric changes. Hum Brain Mapp. 2019;1–10.

Hoekzema E*, (…)Oscar Vilarroya (2017) Pregnancy changes the brain: transitioning into motherhood involves long-lasting alterations in human brain structure. Nature Neuroscience    20(2): 287-296.