This study investigates the neuroplastic changes in the brains of first-time mothers during pregnancy, childbirth, and the early postpartum period. Using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the researchers tracked brain cortical changes and explored how the type of childbirth affects these changes. The study included 110 first-time mothers and 34 nulliparous women, collecting neuroanatomic, obstetric, and neuropsychological data at late pregnancy and early postpartum. Key findings include: 1. **Cortical Changes During Pregnancy**: Mothers showed lower cortical volume and thickness compared to controls during late pregnancy, with these differences attenuating in the early postpartum period. 2. **Longitudinal Changes**: From late pregnancy to early postpartum, mothers experienced significant increases in global cortical volume, thickness, and surface area, with the percentage of change correlating with the percentage of postpartum time. 3. **Default Mode and Frontoparietal Networks**: These networks showed below-expected volume increases in the early postpartum period, suggesting that their reductions may persist longer. 4. **Childbirth Type**: Mothers who delivered by scheduled C-section displayed larger increases in cortical volume, thickness, and surface area compared to those who initiated labor. 5. **Neuropsychological Variables**: Perceived stress, sleep problems, depression symptoms, and maternal attachment scores were higher during the postpartum period, with perceived stress and sleep quality worsening from late pregnancy to early postpartum. The study provides evidence of a dynamic trajectory of cortical changes during the peripartum period, highlighting the unique neuroplasticity of the maternal brain and the impact of childbirth on these changes. These findings suggest that the perinatal period is a sensitive and vulnerable time for women's neuroplasticity, warranting further study and protection.This study investigates the neuroplastic changes in the brains of first-time mothers during pregnancy, childbirth, and the early postpartum period. Using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the researchers tracked brain cortical changes and explored how the type of childbirth affects these changes. The study included 110 first-time mothers and 34 nulliparous women, collecting neuroanatomic, obstetric, and neuropsychological data at late pregnancy and early postpartum. Key findings include: 1. **Cortical Changes During Pregnancy**: Mothers showed lower cortical volume and thickness compared to controls during late pregnancy, with these differences attenuating in the early postpartum period. 2. **Longitudinal Changes**: From late pregnancy to early postpartum, mothers experienced significant increases in global cortical volume, thickness, and surface area, with the percentage of change correlating with the percentage of postpartum time. 3. **Default Mode and Frontoparietal Networks**: These networks showed below-expected volume increases in the early postpartum period, suggesting that their reductions may persist longer. 4. **Childbirth Type**: Mothers who delivered by scheduled C-section displayed larger increases in cortical volume, thickness, and surface area compared to those who initiated labor. 5. **Neuropsychological Variables**: Perceived stress, sleep problems, depression symptoms, and maternal attachment scores were higher during the postpartum period, with perceived stress and sleep quality worsening from late pregnancy to early postpartum. The study provides evidence of a dynamic trajectory of cortical changes during the peripartum period, highlighting the unique neuroplasticity of the maternal brain and the impact of childbirth on these changes. These findings suggest that the perinatal period is a sensitive and vulnerable time for women's neuroplasticity, warranting further study and protection.