Baby Care

If your brain has turned to mush now you’re pregnant, you’re not the only one! Many women report being forgetful and absentminded at different stages during pregnancy – in fact it’s referred to as pregnancy brain, and also pregnancy ‘mumnesia’!

Don’t panic about it though – although pregnancy affects women physically, it also affects you mentally too, so while your pregnancy forgetfulness might be frustrating, it’s perfectly normal. In fact, some studies suggest that up to 68 percent of mums-to-be suffer memory lapses, 54 percent have difficulty concentrating (especially when tackling new and/or unfamiliar tasks) and 52 percent suffer from absentmindedness. And don’t expect it to clear up the minute you have your baby – it can continue for the first year or so after the birth, although most will agree this is down to continuous sleepless nights in the early days!

What is pregnancy forgetfulness?

Forgetfulness is the main symptom of pregnancy brain: you’ll forget where you left your purse, and your friends may inform you that you keep repeating yourself! Pregnancy hormones are likely to blame (those hormones have a lot to answer for!): progesterone often causes fatigue in the first trimester (weeks 0-12), and tiredness contributes to short-term memory loss. Its worth remembering that Oxytocin has been shown to have amnesia-like effects during pregnancy and research indicates that the brain cell volume actually shrinks during the third trimester (weeks 29-40).

Evolution may play a role – some experts suggest that this forgetfulness is designed to shield you from outside distractions that may prevent you from focusing on your baby, and that you need to see it as a sign that you need to simplify your life so that your newborn is your main focus.

The emotional side of pregnancy plays a part in your forgetfulness. Many women report their symptoms are worse during the first and third trimesters, and if you think about it that makes sense. In the first trimester you’ll be overwhelmed by starting on this incredible journey and exhausted by the changes your body is going through. In the final trimester you may not be sleeping well, and may be worried about the birth, your baby’s health, and the changes you are about to experience.

Don’t worry, pregnancy brain isn’t actually harmful  – but where it can cause problems is after your baby is born, if your memory lapses are putting her safety at risk. If for example, you are forgetting to buckle her into her car seat or you keep losing your car keys on a regular basis you may need some extra help. Getting more sleep can help – but often this is easier said than done.

Tips to help you cope with pregnancy forgetfulness.
Sleep is a key factor in helping you combat the effects of pregnancy brain. Get as much as you can and don’t fight the overwhelming fatigue that can strike in the first trimester – go to bed early if you need to, cut back on socialising, and eat a healthy, energy-boosting diet. Sleep may be difficult to come by as your baby’s due date nears. Use pillows to support your bump in bed at night, and if you find you’re having to get up several times to go to the bathroom, cut back on the amount of fluid you drink after 6pm. Drink plenty of fluids during the day to avoid dehydration, which can exacerbate memory problems and confusion. Avoid caffeinated drinks such as coffee and soda, as caffeine is a diuretic and can cause you to become dehydrated.

Another good coping strategy is to write down things that you really need to remember – for example, appointments, reminders of when your baby needs his next vaccination ¬ on a dry-wipe board or chalkboard and hang it somewhere prominent so you can’t help but see it. Keep a notepad and pen in your purse for reminders when you’re out and about. Remember that you also can use your, Blackberry, laptop, or other electronic organizer to remind you about things and help you stick to a routine.

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