Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2012
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The purpose of this investigation was to determine if reproductive experience is associated with cumulative effects on human memory performance during pregnancy and if these effects persist into the postpartum period.
METHODS: Verbal recall memory performance was assessed in 254 women four times during pregnancy and at 3 months postpartum. The relation between parity and memory function was evaluated with hierarchical linear modeling and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA).
RESULTS: The data indicate that the previously documented adverse effects of pregnancy on memory performance are compounded with successive pregnancies. During gestation and postpartum, multiparity was associated with poorer memory function, and these effects did not appear to be due to differences in maternal demographics, depressive symptoms, or sleep quality.
CONCLUSIONS: Animal models demonstrate that the effects of reproduction on brain structure and function are both cumulative and enduring. However, little is known about the influence of reproductive experience on the human female brain. These findings provide evidence that in humans, reproduction is associated with striking and perhaps persisting changes in cognitive function.
Recommended Citation
Glynn, LM (2012). Increasing parity is associated with cumulative effects on memory. Journal of Women’s Health, 21, 1038-1048.
DOI:10.1089/jwh.2011.3206
Copyright
Mary Ann Liebert
Included in
Cognition and Perception Commons, Family, Life Course, and Society Commons, Gender and Sexuality Commons, Health Psychology Commons, Maternal and Child Health Commons, Mental and Social Health Commons, Neurosciences Commons, Obstetrics and Gynecology Commons, Women's Health Commons
Comments
This is a copy of an article published in the Journal of Women's Health © 2012 Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., available online at DOI:10.1089/jwh.2011.3206