Pregnancy Triggers Gut Remodeling, Study Reveals
A new study reveals that during pregnancy and breastfeeding, the small intestine's lining, or epithelium, undergoes structural changes, doubling in size to enhance nutrient absorption. This adaptation, observed in mice and 3D human tissue models, is linked to the signaling molecule RANK, which is crucial for these changes. The research suggests that these gut modifications help mothers absorb more nutrients to support their babies' development. The findings, published in Nature, highlight a previously unknown aspect of maternal physiological adaptation.