In this research group, we investigate peripartum brain plasticity, focusing primarily on the effects of pregnancy on the human brain. Animal studies have demonstrated a remarkable reproduction-related neural plasticity, and we have previously shown for the first time that pregnancy renders changes in the grey matter structure of the human brain. More recently, we have also demonstrated that becoming a mother involves changes in brain function.
By means of prospective pre-conception cohort studies, we investigate how pregnancy changes different aspects of brain anatomy, microstructure, metabolism, connectivity, network organization and activity. In addition, we examine the biological (e.g. hormones, genetics, the microbiome) and other factors (e.g. stress, sleep, psychosocial aspects) that drive these changes and the functional implications for the mother-infant dyad. One of the topics of interest is how these neural changes relate to the development of disorders of maternal mental health, such as peripartum depression.
Our work has primarily been supported by the European Research Council (ERC), the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (NWO) and the Brain and Behavior Foundation and has been covered extensively in the international media. For more information, see www.pregnancyandthebrain.com.

Team members

dr. Elseline Hoekzema Principal Investigator
dr. Milou Straathof Postdoctoral researcher
dr. Klara Sifalakis-Spalek Postdoctoral researcher
Sophie van ‘t Hof PhD student
Sara Halmans PhD student