EW YORK (AP) – Scientists have found evidence that pregnancy can change parts of a woman’s brain.

When researchers compared brain scans of women before and after pregnancy, they spotted some differences in 11 locations. They also found hints that the alterations help women prepare for motherhood. For example, they might help a mother understand the needs of her infant.

It’s not completely clear what the changes are. They could represent a pruning of the specialized connections between brain cells. That’s not necessarily a bad thing. It could help brain circuits work more efficiently.

Scientists presented the results Monday in the journal Nature Neuroscience. They think the changes are caused by the surge of hormones in pregnancy.