Food craving-like episodes during pregnancy are mediated by accumbal dopaminergic circuits

Preparation for motherhood requires a myriad of physiological and behavioural adjustments throughout gestation to provide an adequate environment for proper embryonic development(1). Cravings for highly palatable foods are highly prevalent during pregnancy(2) and contribute to the maintenance and development of gestational overweight or obesity(3). However, the neurobiology underlying the distinct ingestive behaviours that result from craving specific foods remain unknown. Here we show that mice, similarly to humans, experience gestational food craving-like episodes. These episodes are associated with a brain connectivity reorganization that affects key components of the dopaminergic mesolimbic circuitry, which drives motivated appetitive behaviours and facilitates the perception of rewarding stimuli. Pregnancy engages a dynamic modulation of dopaminergic signalling through neurons expressing dopamine D2 receptors in the nucleus accumbens, which directly modulate food craving-like events. Importantly, persistent maternal food craving-like behaviour has long-lasting effects on the offspring, particularly in males, leading to glucose intolerance, increased body weight and increased susceptibility to develop eating disorders and anxiety-like behaviours during adulthood. Our results reveal the cognitively motivated nature of pregnancy food cravings and advocates for moderating emotional eating during gestation to prevent deterioration of the offspring's neuropsychological and metabolic health.

Automated summary

Preparation for motherhood involves various physiological and behavioral adjustments to create an optimal environment for embryonic development. Pregnant women often experience cravings for highly palatable foods, which can contribute to overweight or obesity. The neurobiology behind specific food cravings during pregnancy is still unknown. This study shows that mice, like humans, have pregnancy food craving-like episodes, which are associated with changes in brain connectivity. Dopaminergic signaling in the nucleus accumbens, regulated by dopamine D2 receptors, plays a role in modulating these food craving-like events. Importantly, persistent maternal food craving-like behavior can have long-lasting effects on offspring, particularly in males, leading to metabolic and neuropsychological health issues in adulthood.