Pregnancy brain, or ‘baby brain’ as it is often referred to, is due to the major fluctuation in hormones throughout the body, especially oestrogen and progesterone. It can result in difficulties remembering details or giving undivided attention and can start as early as the first trimester (https://www.healthline.com). So if you are finding yourself leaving the keys in the door or wondering why you went into a room your not alone. According to the American Psychological Association (APA) in fact, 50 to 80 percent of pregnant women report memory and thinking problems. It is believed that the grey matter of the brain is changed at a cellular level. Research suggests that pregnancy brain is therefore real.
Other causes for symptoms can be sleep deprivation as towards the end of pregnancy ladies get less REM sleep which will affect your concentration. Stress and anxiety during a pregnancy are natural and can attribute to the baby brain symptoms.
There are ways to help with the symptoms and these include:
1 – Take time to rest
2 – Set yourself reminders
3 – Cultivate a restful sleep environment and bedtime routine
4 – Eat well – blueberries, egg, spinach along with food containing Omega-3 fatty acids.
5 – Hydrate
Most importantly be kind to your self
Support is available if you are feeling overwhelmed with emotions or what you are experiencing is affecting you daily life. Please contact your midwife, maternity unit or GP for advice. Or alternatively visit Mental health problems and pregnancy – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Amie Whittard