Forgetfulness During Pregnancy – Myth or Genuine Symptom?

The jury is actually still out on whether forgetfulness during pregnancy is a genuine symptom or whether it’s a bit of an “old wive’s tale”. Many women do say they have a sort of “brain fog”, particularly in the third trimester. It’s often called ‘baby brain”. But does the science back up forgetfulness as a symptom of pregnancy. We take a close look.

Is Forgetfulness a Symptom of Pregnancy?

We’ve had a really close look at lots of scientific research and also talked to hundreds of new moms and received differing answers. There is no evidence to suggest that being pregnant affects your brain function. But almost every mom we talked to reported becoming more forgetful in her final trimester of pregnancy. So what’s the story? Is it a symptom or a myth?

A friendly obstetrician told us that pregnancy forgetfulness is more likely to be a “symptom of the symptoms” rather than a symptom in itself. Sound confusing? Let us elaborate:

Sound confusing? Let us elaborate:

Your body has gone through some of the most rapid, and extreme, changes it ever will. Is it surprising that you are exhausted and forgetful?
You may also be suffering from fatigue and/or insomnia – this is bound to affect brain function.
The worry and anxiety associated with can affect your memory.
Constant aches and pains can affect your ability to concentrate on tasks and remember all the things you need to do.

In conclusion, the “brain fog” women often experience in pregnancy is caused by a combination of pregnancy symptoms, rather than being a symptom in itself.

Coping with Forgetfulness in Pregnancy:

So, whether you believe it’s a symptom or not, many women say they are more forgetful during pregnancy. How will you cope if your memory starts slipping? We’ve got a few handy pointers:

Give yourself a break – you don’t have to be superwoman!
Make sure you’re getting plenty of Omega 3 – it’s proven to improve brain function – eat plenty of oily fish or take a supplement.
Make notes and checklists to yourself. Keep a notebook by your bed.
Get into the habit of noting appointments and tasks in a diary or on your phone.
Enlist the help of your partner, friends, and colleagues to remind you of things that need doing.
Double check that the oven is off and your hair straighteners are unplugged before leaving the house!

Learn More about Pregnancy Symptoms:

Pregnancy Fact or Fiction?

So we’ve got pregnancy forgetfulness nailed. What are some of the other stories you hear? Which are true and which are old wives tales? Check out our pregnancy Mythbusters here.

Yoga and Meditation during Pregnancy:

One ticket to a more mindful and relaxed pregnancy could be including yoga and meditation in your routine. Find out more about ways to do this here.

What to Expect during the Third Trimester:

The brain fog usually descends upon us in the final months of pregnancy. Find out about some of the other symptoms and developments of the third trimester here.