The Birth of a Child Quickly Restructures a Man's Brain - Students Benefit the Most! 0 22

• In the first 12 weeks after childbirth, the gray matter in men's brains gradually decreases, - explains Negin Daneshnia. - But fathers do not become less intelligent. Their neural pathways are being restructured. The brain adapts to the new reality. Most intensively in the first 6 weeks. Some neural circuits weaken, while others, on the contrary, strengthen. For example, the amygdala, which is responsible for parental vigilance, emotional attachment, and care, establishes a closer connection with other areas of the brain.

Between 12 and 24 weeks, it has been observed that some areas of the male brain increase in size. The left anterior cingulate cortex, which plays an important role in controlling and distributing attention and is mobilized while anticipating various tasks, becomes slightly larger. The so-called substantia nigra also increases – an area involved in the production of dopamine – the hormone that keeps fathers from feeling down.

The origins of these brain changes in males are likely to be traced back to the dawn of evolution when offspring needed not only care but also protection. This required heightened attention, vigilance, and, of course, attachment.

Interestingly, in our current, much more comfortable lives, men – especially students – can utilize their “enhanced attention brains,” developed due to the birth of a child in a young family, for more effective mastery of various subjects. Even a foreign language, during their free time, of course, from helping the young mother.