Pregnancy Brain

Hi K.,
Pregnancy brain is indeed a real phenomenon. The brain shrinks approximately 8-10% in pregnancy due to hormones and redistribution of blood flow in the body. There is actually a study going on right now testing the memory of women in their 1st, 2nd, and 3rd trimesters to non-pregnant women.

The best way to go about dealing with the brain function issue is to figure out which hours of the day are most productive mentally, and really cash in on those hours. Make lists, keep a notebook in pocket at all times if it helps, and write things down before they escape the mind. The other thing is to take advantage of any opportunities to catch up on sleep. With 2 young children at home, this may be quite difficult, especially with a move coming up. It's important to try and find those moments to get those 20 minute power naps in. Pregnancy can be pretty exhausting.

If the pregnancies have been close together, then women may also be dealing with nutritional deficiencies that worsen the brain fog. It would be appropriate for a woman in this case to seek the help of a health care provider (someone who specializes in nutrition like a nutritionist, naturopathic physician, or dietician).

When I was pregnant last year (also 30 yrs old)I totally had baby brain. Besides buying a small date book/note book to write everything down (business meetings, doctor appointments, etc) there wasn't much that I could do. Once I realised the problems I was having with my memory and did something about it (my date book)it never really was an issue. Good luck to your friend! "Baby Brain" will pass. PS - it's mostly attributed to the fact that you're pregnant and no matter what you try to do otherwise you do spend a lot of time thinking about your baby and about being pregnant and planning for the baby. There's not enough room in your head anymore for remembering things like picking up the dry cleaning or big meetings with clients (yeah - I totally forgot huge meetings at work. . .)

Hi K....Do I ever relate! (I just had my girl two weeks ago). I found post-it notes to be helpful, both at home and at work. I also rely heavily on my BlackBerry.

I agree with one of the other mums who suggested seeing a healthcare provider about nutrition...I think one of the most important things is to keep well fed so that your friend's glucose level stays constant (we all get more foggy when we're hungry). I kept bags of walnuts, almonds, etc. in the car, at my desk and around the house. I included protein with everything I ate and ate about six small meals a day. It really helped me.

It is a true phenomenon. The USA Today recently did a story about it. I forget all the details, (I am pregnant too!) but basically it is a condition that mothers experience during and after a pregnancy. It gets better over time after the baby arrives. Do a google search about it, they called it momnesia. I don't believe it is a lack of anything, just a condition that has to be lived out.

I second the other responses. Being pregnant with my third has really thrown me into pregnancy brain overload.

The suggestion about a date book is exactly what I do. I have one of the little electronic ones, or I use my Palm cellphone and make sure to write everything down. It is also a plus that there is an audible alarm to remind me of appointments. The other lifesaver has been to keep a calendar on the fridge. I write down everything there as well, that way in the morning I remember any important things that need to be done.

Definitely a real phenomenon, with both physical and cognitive causes. My friend warned me that the first time you get pregnant, half your brain shuts down, and with each subsequent pregnancy, half of what's left...and half of that...and half of that LOL.

It'll get better later, but you do have to actively plan for it and cope with it or your friend will get overwhelmed quickly! Have her get in the habit of "downloading her brain" to a paper or electronic planner.