It is already scientifically proven that pregnancy can alter the brain situation of women. But did you know that despite not directly experiencing pregnancy, parenthood changes the brain of men?
Thinking about it, in today's article, we're going to address what causes this change.
see more
Sweet news: Lacta launches Sonho de Valsa e Ouro chocolate bar…
Brazilian wine wins label award at the 'Oscars' of…
Read more: Types of parenting: know which is considered best for children
Change in men's brains with fatherhood
Some countries, like Germany and Switzerland, expanded paternity leave, thus contributing to an increase in fathers' involvement in child-rearing. With this increase in the importance of the father's presence, researchers decided to investigate the subject, including what are the biological changes that support fatherhood.
As a result, some researchers have investigated how fatherhood remodels a man's brain even without the experience of pregnancy.
One study, published in Oxford Academic, argues for brain changes in parents after their first experience. According to the study, some evidence points to the transition to parenthood as a critical window for adult neural plasticity. Due to this transition, men also undergo some hormonal changes that alter their brains.
Brain plasticity is induced by the experience of brain changes that occur due to learning a new skill, which in this case, we are talking about taking care of a baby.
The study carried out MRI scans with 40 men – 20 in Spain and 20 in California – and they were carried out in two phases: during the partner's pregnancy and when the baby is 6 months old. In addition, the researchers included a control group of 17 men who are not fathers. Thus, it was possible to perceive that the degree of plasticity is related to how much they interact with the baby – it is worth noting that this involvement varies greatly among men.