“It felt like my brain didn’t work, I couldn’t think straight. Every thought I had I was arguing with myself.”
Having a baby and experiencing what you think must be baby brain? Perhaps you’re forgetting things or feeling easily distracted, when you’re usually extra-organised and alert. So what is pregnancy brain exactly and is it really a thing?
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What Are Team Happity’s Thoughts On Pregnancy Brain?
“Definitely a thing for me! I really lacked my usual energy and motivation during pregnancy, which was (in turn) a massive knock to my confidence, since I identified quite strongly at that time with being a ‘get it done’ type of person.
“Making decisions was also harder, I found, like a brain fog type of feeling. It felt like my brain didn’t work, I couldn’t think straight. Every thought I had I was arguing with myself.
“I also had very strong nesting instincts right from the beginning. I was the first amongst my friends to get pregnant and they still expected me to turn up for dinners and birthdays even when it was the last thing I felt like doing.”
– Lisa, Team Happity
“My brain felt fuzzy and I just felt really bored and not interested in things – even though there was loads to do. Snacking on cheesy crisps seemed to help, and bizarrely this was the thing I most looked forward to each morning! I also had to give myself permission to rest, sleep and nap. A friend once said, ‘you’re literally growing another person inside you’ and it’s totally true! Be kind to yourself.”
– Liz, Team Happity
“I agree it’s a thing!
“Here’s a story: when heavily pregnant with Alice and needing a snack, I went into the kitchen looking for an apple. I then sat back in the living room, got settled and then couldn’t remember if I got the apple or not. I couldn’t see it and couldn’t get up so I accepted the fact that I did not have the apple… until I managed to get up later and found it was under my bump and I couldn’t see it!”
– Helen, Team Happity
“My baby brain never left! I also agree it’s a thing, but genuinely feel I haven’t recovered.”
– Sheefa, Team Happity
So Is Pregnancy Brain Really A Thing?
Neuroscientists have proved there is a significant alteration in the amount of white-matter integrity during the first two trimesters. This means that the connections between different areas of the brain are strengthened, which could help explain the nesting instinct.
In the study they conducted, neuroscientists also found a decrease in grey matter of about 4% in almost 80% of the brain. Grey matter is linked to memory, emotions and movement, so this also supports the ‘baby brain theory’ where mums-to-be can feel more forgetful, clumsy and emotional. Some of the changes they mapped were still visible two years postpartum!
Dr. Saleh, a maternal-fetal medicine specialist, talks about the environment around the brain cells altering as changing hormones move around the body. He says this affects neurons, helping to explain why so many women feel distracted, can’t concentrate and have memory problems.
Lack of sleep, stress and overall tiredness, which most pregnant women experience, can also contribute to these feelings anyway!
Check out this video from the Bump, which explains more about what you might be feeling and experiencing during week 26 of your pregnancy, when many pregnant women experience pregnancy brain.
What Can I Do To Help With Brain Fog During Pregnancy?
- Stock Up On Sleep
Firstly, try to get enough sleep – and take naps during the day if at all possible. We all know how our memory and concentration can suffer if we’re sleep-deprived even when we’re not pregnant. So give your brain the best chance of remembering things by getting in some zzzs.
- Practise Self-Care (Avoid Extra Stress)
It’s easier said than done but try and schedule in some regular time to look after yourself. Remember it’s OK to say ‘no’ to extra commitments – after all, you do have a whole other human growing inside you.
- Eat Nutritious Meals And Snacks
Hopefully you’re over the worst of the morning sickness phase (though some women do experience nausea throughout their pregnancy) and have some appetite. Try to eat small, nutritious regular meals and stock up on high-energy, nutritious snacks like nuts, bananas, figs, prunes, porridge etc. The NHS recommends checking the green, amber, red labels on food to help you make healthier choices easily.
- Exercise
Exercise can help boost cognitive function and memory, as well as helping you switch off better at the end of each day. So why go for a gentle walk or book in for some pregnancy yoga classes right now?
- Take Photo Reminders
Dr. Saleh, a maternal-fetal medicine specialist, recommends taking snapshots on your phone camera of important things so you don’t forget them. This could be where you left your keys or important documents, as well as where you parked your car. This could be one for non-pregnant mums as well, we reckon!
- Puzzle It Out
Dr. Saleh also recommends keeping your brain active by completing crossword or Sudoku puzzles. This should help boost your brain and your memory.
- Use A Calendar Or Notes App That Works For You
Whether it’s a physical calendar, a Google calendar on your phone, or a notes app, use whatever works for you to set reminders, add important dates and take notes. Another top tip we’ve heard is using the WhatsApp audio or video record function. You don’t have to send this to anyone – you can just record it as a message for yourself! Another one existing mums could adopt as well, we think.
- Build A Support Network
Accept offers of help from friends and family. If your partner or a family member/friend can take on some of the mental load, so you have less to think about and remember, that’s also great.
Disclaimer: although we have researched this article using up-to-date sources, we aren’t medical experts. Some degree of ‘pregnancy brain’ and mild forgetfulness is common for many people. However, if you feel you are suffering severe symptoms, feel depressed or are concerned in any way about your, a partner, or friend’s mental health, please always consult your GP or a medical professional. We also have resources on the Happity website about mental wellness.
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