The Brain Behind the Bump: Demystifying Momnesia and Its Effects

The brain bonds emotionally with the baby inside you while you are pregnant. Your developing baby’s health is undoubtedly a concern for you. Also, you are excited that you will have a cute, cuddly baby very soon.

Do you recall recently forgetting your partner’s birthday, or putting the door keys in an unexpected place and having to look for them around the house? Don’t stress! This is just another thing for mommies-to-be. Pregnancy brain or momesia is a condition that occurs during pregnancy.

Learn the reasons why you suffer from this condition, and find out how you can mask it.  

What Makes You Forget? 

Pregnancy changes a woman – both physically and mentally. Here are a few contributing factors to “momnesia” or forgetfulness during pregnancy:

Blame It On Your Hormones

It’s a no-brainer that pregnancy hormones cause most of your pregnancy problems.  Having trouble remembering your favourite novel’s name at this moment is not your fault. That’s your hormones at work. Their impact on brain neurons causes memory loss.

Pregnancy Insomnia

When you’re pregnant, frequent bathroom trips and vomiting can disrupt your sleep. Pregnancy progressing with a big belly is undeniable. You may have difficulty changing sides in bed due to your belly, which can disturb your sleep. Sleep deprivation can affect your cognitive functions as well as memory. It’s possible to lose track of your thoughts during early pregnancy because of uncomfortable nagging symptoms such as cramps, nausea, and heartburn.

Stress and Anxiety

You’re both excited and overwhelmed as you shift your priorities with the baby approaching slowly. You’re setting up the nursery, baby-proofing the house, nervous about childbirth, and can’t miss your prenatal appointments. Your brain is clogged up with everything. It’s no surprise that you have trouble focusing.

Changing Brain Structure

Your brain is undergoing a lot of activity at the cellular level. Physiological changes occur in the structure of your brain, as shown in scans and a 2016 study. In pregnant women, the grey matter of the brain declines significantly, resulting in impaired social cognition. Possibly, this is your brain’s way of creating space for maternal attachment.

You needn’t worry, though! The fog of memory loss usually clears up around six months after birth. So, hold on to your horse until you hold your baby.

How Will You Cover Up Your Forgetfulness?

There is no need to worry about losing your head during pregnancy. Small changes in your life can cover up for your forgetfulness while pregnant.

  • Maintain a calendar, diary, or planner. Make a note of everything as a reminder. Whenever you forget something, check that page.
  • It is best to keep all your important things together, such as keys and jewellery.
  • Set alarms for meetings or doctor’s appointments.
  • Take a picture of your car after you leave it parked so you can track it down later.
  • There is a chance you will forget someone you met recently. For memories of that individual, consider remembering them through a close association. 
  • Work out every day.
  • Ask for help
  • Eat well
  • Try to get some sleep. Maybe a cat nap or two

A little forgetfulness is normal. However, if you’re suffering from too much of a problem, consult your healthcare practitioner immediately.