What Is Pregnancy Brain?

Pregnancy comes with a laundry list of side effects. From swollen calves to swollen noses, pregnant women transform in several physical ways. However, pregnancy can create internal changes as well, and those changes can impact the brain. 

Don’t worry, pregnancy doesn’t permanently damage or disrupt anything in your cranium, but forgetfulness, feeling absentminded, or in a fog are all common, and it’s a phenomenon called “pregnancy brain.” 

Forgetting your keys, calling your mom back, or making an appointment can all be part of pregnancy brain. And it’s easy to feel frustrated about your lack of alertness, especially when the rest of you feels different, too. 

There isn’t much scientific research backing up pregnancy brain, but anecdotal accounts of women prove that it’s real. In a 2014 study published in the Journal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology, researchers found that pregnant women reported memory loss. However, when their brains were scanned with nonpregnant women, their brains looked the same. 

Another 2014 study published in Brain and Cognition found that pregnant women in their second trimester scored much lower than nonpregnant women on a test that examines spatial relations between different objects. 

So, is pregnancy brain something to worry about or something you can avoid? We get into the science over this common side effect of carrying your child. 

What Are the Symptoms of Pregnancy Brain? 

Also known as “mommy brain,” pregnancy brain can be slight or very noticeable depending on the person. 

Symptoms of pregnancy brain include: 

• Mental fog
• Memory issues
• Forgetfulness
• Clumsiness
• Difficulty recalling names or words
• Daydreaming
• Difficulty completing tasks
• Difficulty staying engaged in conversation

The length of these symptoms differs for everyone but some women can experience pregnancy brain for the first year postpartum. 

What Causes Pregnancy Brain? 

Focusing on everyday tasks may suddenly become more complicated when you’re pregnant. In fact, pregnancy brain can begin as early as the first trimester due to the body’s influx of hormones. Some women claim it’s their first symptom they experience.

The first trimester is when most side effects of pregnancy are the worst, so it makes sense why pregnancy brain is on the list. During the first trimester, moms-to-be usually experience insomnia, which can contribute to brain fog. 

During this time, many pregnant women experience heartburn, leg cramping, and morning sickness which contributes to all-around forgetfulness. Plus, these symptoms can keep someone from sleeping, adding to pure exhaustion. 

Not getting enough sleep can lead to neurons becoming overworked which impacts memory. Moreover, sleep deprivation impairs hippocampal connectivity when learning new things, like remembering that doctor’s appointment or where you put your purse. 

Another component of pregnancy brain is the fluctuation of hormones throughout the entirety of pregnancy. A pregnant person may not begin to feel like themselves again until six months after birth, meaning that pregnancy brain can be present even after childbirth. 

Some researchers believe that the sudden surge of progesterone and estrogen can create issues with memory and thinking clearly.

Moreover, pregnancy is new and stressful. You might not be prepared or overwhelmed. It’s okay to feel scared. Feeling anxious and preoccupied within your mind can lead to difficulty focusing on what’s right in front of you.

Another reason for pregnancy brain, according to a 2016 study published in Nature Neuroscience, are actual physical changes to the brain. Researchers looked at scans of pregnant women’s brains and found that they experienced a decrease in grey matter volume in areas that were connected to social cognition.

The study reported that it could have to do with a pregnant woman’s brain preparing for childbirth and connection with the child. Researchers followed up with the mothers after childbirth and found that this change can take up to two years to return back to normal. 

Can You Cure Pregnancy Brain? 

Pregnancy brain is something that comes along with your new baby in your belly, however, there are some remedies to try out if you’re getting frustrated with feeling foggy. 

First things first: sleep. Whether you experience pregnancy brain or not, every pregnant woman should make sure she’s getting enough shut-eye. 

If sleep is really impossible, try to practice breathing exercises, participate in light yoga for relaxation, and put yourself in a restful environment. 

Another method includes a nutritious diet. Pregnancy cravings can get the best of us and feel impossible to battle at times, but try adding a few items to your everyday diet to improve brain health. Foods high in antioxidants and vitamins include salmon, blueberries, eggs, and spinach. 

Also, make sure you’re drinking enough water throughout the day. Even a little dehydration can impact a nonpregnant person’s memory and cognition.

So, while there isn’t a cure for pregnancy brain, there are lifestyle factors that can help ease you out of your annoyance. 

In terms of getting through the day-to-day, try to:

• Set reminders or alarms on your phone can make sure you don’t forget important tasks. 
• Buy a calendar
• Get some fresh air
• Exercise
• Meditate
• Do a puzzle

Above all, don’t be hard on yourself. Your body is rapidly changing in ways it hasn’t experienced before. Give yourself grace and patience, and make sure to write down where you placed your keys.