The project

The BeMother project, directed by Dr. Òscar Vilarroya, is a pioneering research effort supported by the European Research Council (ERC) and La Caixa Foundation. This initiative seeks to uncover how pregnancy induces changes in the brain and how these changes may support motherhood. Our hypothesis is that these neural transformations, triggered by hormonal and environmental factors, enhance a mother’s ability to bond with her baby, recognize her baby’s needs, and respond to potential threats.

The project is designed as a longitudinal study involving brain imaging (MRI), metabolomics, and neuropsychological assessments at four key points: before pregnancy, mid-pregnancy (18 and 36 weeks), and in the postpartum period. We include 455 women planning their first pregnancy, and control participants. Additionally, we are including a group of non-pregnant mothers to study brain adaptations in women who become mothers without going through pregnancy. This broader perspective allows us to explore how the brain reorganizes in response to motherhood, regardless of the biological pathway.

By tracking brain reorganization across pregnancy and early motherhood, we aim to identify when these changes occur and how they correlate with adaptive maternal behaviors. This research will deepen our understanding of the intersection between biology, psychology, and motherhood, offering insights into maternal brain adaptation that could influence mental health and parenting support in the future. .