If you're pregnant or have previously been pregnant, you've probably experienced some minor lapses in memory. For instance, do you keep losing your car keys? Ever driven off with your coffee cup still sitting on the roof of your car?
If these sound familiar, you're not alone. The likely culprit: pregnancy brain.
What is pregnancy brain?
When you're pregnant, it's not unusual to have trouble focusing, processing ideas and remembering things. It likely happens because of changes that affect how the brain works, like pregnancy hormone shifts, sleep issues, stress, anxiety and depression.
Signs to keep in mind
Pregnancy brain can cause a number of symptoms related to thinking and planning, including:
• Fogginess that makes it hard to concentrate.
• Trouble finding the right words to say.
• Forgetting details like names and events.
• Struggling with finishing tasks or learning new things.
• Difficulty making plans or decisions.
• Problems doing more than one thing at once.
If you experience any of these changes, be sure to keep your doctor in the loop so they can rule out more serious conditions and point you in the right direction to manage your symptoms.
Ways to weather pregnancy brain
The good news: Pregnancy brain symptoms don't usually stick around after pregnancy. Until then, these helpful hacks can help you cut through the fog.
Make lists. Place daily to-do lists on the mirror or refrigerator—but limit them so you don't wear yourself out.
Ask for help. Delegate overflow tasks to family and friends.
Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of liquids to fuel your brain.
Take power naps. Prioritize sleep to clear up fogginess.
Eat well. Try things like nuts, healthy fats and folate-rich foods.
Get organized. Place items in designated places to remember where they are.
Mark your calendar. Keep a detailed calendar of appointments and events.
Be alerted. Set alarms and reminders for yourself on your phone.
Move regularly. Take breaks, stretch, get some steps in and do breathing exercises.
If you need additional guidance on managing and preventing “pregnancy brain”, schedule an appointment with Watson Clinic’s extensive team of
OB-GYN specialists by calling 863-680-7243 or visiting
WatsonClinic.com/OB.
Sources: American Academy of Neurology; American Cancer Society; CancerCare; Hydrocephalus Association; Lupus Foundation of America; March of Dimes; National Institutes of Health