Pregnancy comes with a list of side effects. From swollen calves to swollen nosespregnant women are transformed in various physical ways. However, pregnancy can also create internal changes, and these changes can affect the brain.
Don’t worry, pregnancy doesn’t permanently damage or disrupt anything in your skull, but Forgetfulness, feeling absent or foggy are all common and are 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 vigilance, especially when everyone else feels the same way.
There isn’t much scientific research to support pregnancy brain, but anecdotal reports from women prove it to be true. In a 2014 study published in Journal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology, The researchers found that pregnant women reported memory loss. However, when their brains were scanned with non-pregnant 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 non-pregnant women on a test that examines the spatial relationships between different objects.
So, is pregnancy brain something to worry about or something you can avoid? We get into the science of this common side effect of carrying your child.
What are the symptoms of cerebral pregnancy?
Also known as “mommy brain,” pregnancy brain can be subtle or very prominent depending on the individual.
Symptoms of pregnancy brain include:
- Mental fog
- Memory problems
- Amnesia
- Clumsiness
- Difficulty recalling names or words
- Daydream
- Difficulty completing tasks
- Difficulty staying in conversation
The duration of these symptoms varies for everyone but Some women may experience pregnancy brain in the first year after giving birth.
What causes pregnancy brain?
Focusing on everyday tasks can suddenly become more complicated when you’re pregnant. In fact, pregnancy brain can start as early as first trimester due to the influx of body hormones. Some women claim it is their first symptom they experience.
The first trimester is when most pregnancy side effects are at their worst, so it makes sense why pregnancy brain is on the list. During the first trimester, moms-to-be commonly experience insomnia, which can contribute to brain fog.
During this time, many pregnant women experience heartburn, leg cramps and morning sickness that contribute to complete forgetfulness. In addition, these symptoms can prevent one from sleeping, adding to the sheer exhaustion.
Lack of sleep can lead to neurons are strainedd that affects memory. Plus, sleep deprivation impairs hippocampal connectivity when you learn new things, like remembering that doctor’s appointment or where you put your wallet.
Another component of the pregnancy brain is fluctuating hormones throughout pregnancy. A pregnant woman may not start feeling like herself again until six months after birth, which means that pregnancy brain can be present even after the birth.
Some researchers believe that the sudden increase in progesterone and estrogen can create problems with memory and clear thinking.
Plus, pregnancy is new and stressful. You may be unprepared or overwhelmed. It’s okay to feel scared. Feeling anxious and preoccupying your mind can lead to difficulty focusing on what is right in front of you.
Another reason for pregnancy brain, according to a 2016 study published in Nature Neurosciencethey are real physical changes in the brain. The researchers looked at brain scans of pregnant women and found that they showed a decrease in gray matter volume in areas associated with social cognition.
The study said it could have to do with a pregnant woman’s brain preparing for labor and bonding with the child. Researchers followed mothers postpartum and found that this change can take up to two years to return 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 you can try if you’re frustrated with feeling foggy.
First things first: sleep. Whether you’re experiencing pregnancy brain or not, every pregnant woman should make sure she gets enough shut-eye.
If sleep is really impossible, try to do it practice breathing exercisesparticipate in lproper yoga for relaxation and put yourself in a restful environment.
Another method involves a nutritious diet. Pregnancy cravings can get the best of us and feel impossible to fight at times, but try adding a few items to your daily diet to improve brain health. Foods rich in antioxidants and vitamins include salmon, blueberries, eggs and spinach.
Also, make sure you are drinking enough water all day long. Even a little dehydration can affect a non-pregnant person’s memory and cognition.
So while there is no cure for pregnancy brain, there are lifestyle factors that can help you get rid of your discomfort.
In terms of everyday life, try to:
- Setting reminders or alarms on your phone can ensure you don’t forget important tasks.
- Buy a calendar
- Get some fresh air
- Exercise
- Think
- Do a puzzle
Above all, don’t be hard on yourself. Your body is rapidly changing in ways it has never experienced before. Give yourself grace and patience and be sure to note where you placed your keys.
