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Pregnancy Brain: Where Did I Put My Car Keys… And My Car?

Posted on April 18, 2024April 18, 2024 By Kirsten Fisch

Ah, pregnancy! A miraculous journey filled with joy, anticipation, and a smidgeon of chaos—mostly in the memory department. Welcome to the land of pregnancy brain, also affectionately known as “momnesia.” It’s that special time in a woman’s life when she can forget what she was about to say mid-sentence and might seriously consider searching for her glasses while they’re still on her head.

Why Does Everything Seem So Foggy?

First, let’s get to the bottom of why the brain suddenly turns into a sieve. You see, during pregnancy, a woman’s body becomes a cocktail of hormones. This hormonal surge is like having a wild party in your brain where memory is, unfortunately, not invited. These hormones are busy doing important work, like helping your baby grow and reminding you to pee again. But they can leave little room for mundane tasks, like remembering whether you’ve shampooed your hair in the shower.

Common Symptoms of Pregnancy Brain

  • Forgetting Names: You know you’ve known him for ten years—he might even be your cousin—but for the life of you, you can’t remember his name. It will come to you, probably at 3 AM.
  • Mystery of the Missing Items: Keys, wallets, and phones embark on an adventure around the house. You might even find the milk in the pantry and the cereal in the fridge!
  • Navigational Skills of a Lost Sock: Getting lost on the way to the supermarket can happen, even though it’s just two blocks away. The route you’ve taken a hundred times suddenly feels like uncharted territory.
  • Why Did I Come Here?: Entering a room and forgetting why you’re there is a daily occurrence. It’s like your living room is Bermuda Triangle of thought.

“Pregnancy brain” or “momnesia” is attributed to several factors that work together during pregnancy, leading to moments of forgetfulness and mental fog. Here are the main causes:

  1. Hormonal Changes: Pregnancy significantly alters hormone levels, particularly increases in progesterone and estrogen, which can impact brain function. These hormones influence neurotransmitters, brain cell function, and overall brain chemistry, which can contribute to feelings of mental sluggishness or forgetfulness.
  2. Sleep Deprivation: Many pregnant women experience disrupted sleep due to physical discomfort, frequent urination, or anxiety about impending parenthood. Sleep is crucial for cognitive function, and lack of it can impair memory and concentration.
  3. Increased Stress: Pregnancy can be a stressful time with many emotional and physical changes. Stress hormones such as cortisol can affect brain function, impacting your ability to remember and process information efficiently.
  4. Physical and Emotional Demands: The physical demands of carrying a baby and the emotional preparation for becoming a parent can divert attention and mental resources, making it harder to focus on other tasks. This shift in priorities may result in a reduced ability to remember less immediate or less critical information.
  5. Changes in Brain Structure: Some studies suggest that pregnancy can lead to structural changes in the brain, particularly in regions involved in social cognition and empathy, which might explain why new mothers are especially tuned to their baby’s needs but might be more forgetful about other details.

Embrace the Chaos

Instead of fighting the fog, why not embrace it? After all, pregnancy brain has its perks. Forgot to buy milk again? It’s a perfect excuse for an impromptu ice cream run. And let’s not forget the ultimate silver lining: for a brief period, you’re carrying irrefutable scientific proof that there’s a legitimate reason for being scatterbrained!

Tips to Manage Your New “Normal”

  • Lists Are Your New Best Friends: If your brain won’t remember, technology or good old pen and paper will.
  • Leverage the Power of Routines: Place everyday items in designated spots (Keys have a bowl. Phones have a charger. Easy!)
  • Sleep, and Then Sleep Some More: Granted, sleeping can be tough with a beach ball for a belly, but rest is crucial. It helps your brain catch up from its hormone-induced hangover.
  • Laugh About It: Sharing your blunders can turn a frustrating situation into a good laugh. Humor is a great coping mechanism.

It’s Only Temporary!

Remember, ladies, pregnancy brain is only temporary. It’s nature’s way of preparing you for the inevitable: kids are going to make you forget a whole lot more than just where you left your car in the parking lot. But the payoff? Totally worth it. So, the next time you throw your dirty laundry into the trash instead of the hamper, laugh it off. After all, in the grand scheme of things, it’s just a tiny blip in the amazing adventure of motherhood.

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Kirsten Fisch

Kirsten Fisch, MSN, RNC-MNN, IBCLC, LCCE
Kirsten Fisch is a women's health nurse specializing in high-risk pregnancy and postpartum care. Certified in Maternal Newborn Nursing, a board-certified lactation consultant (IBCLC), and a Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator, she works with women from conception through postpartum. Passionate about empowering women during their reproductive journeys, Kirsten combines evidence-based care with compassionate support to promote health and well-being for mothers and babies.

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