Misplacing your keys in the fridge or entering a room and forgetting what you went there for are quite frequent occurrences when pregnant. It is usually called momnesia or pregnancy brain, and it is experienced by up to 70 per cent of women while they are expecting. Though it may sometimes seem frustrating, it is completely normal and very common.

What Is ‘Momnesia’ During Pregnancy?

Momnesia is the name commonly used to describe short-term memory failures, foggy brain, and lack of focus when pregnant or after the first months of motherhood. It is necessary to make clear the fact that momnesia is not a medical term but a colloquial term which denotes certain changes in cognitive functioning. Typical symptoms include:

  • Forgetfulness about scheduled medical visits or regular activities.

  • Inability to remember where certain household things have been left.

  • Problems with concentration and inability to follow an idea up to the end.

  • Trouble remembering certain names or common words.

  • Being mentally preoccupied with some complicated information.

    • Why Does Pregnancy Make You Feel Forgetful?

    Here are some challenges faced by women during their pregnancy that make them feel forgetful.

    Hormonal Changes

    Hormonal changes, particularly increased amounts of estrogen and progesterone, affect the pathways involved in focus and memory formation. The latest studies have confirmed that excessive estrogen levels suppress memory processing functions in the hippocampus temporarily.

    Interrupted Or Poor Sleep

    Sleep disturbances caused by body pains, increased need to use the restroom at night, and indigestion use up brainpower. Sleepiness affects one’s short-term memory and thinking skills.

    Stress And Emotional Changes

    Going through important changes during pregnancy causes natural fluctuations in emotions. Increased stress hormone levels, like those of cortisol, may negatively affect the functioning of spatial and working memory.

    Mental Workload Of Being Pregnant

    The mental burden on pregnant women is significant because there are prenatal appointments, health instructions, nursery preparations, and other related issues. Mental processing requires mental power.

    Physical Problems And Fatigue

    Morning sickness, anaemia, nausea, and body pains consume energy that could otherwise be spent on brain processes.

    7 Simple Ways To Handle Pregnancy Forgetfulness

    • Phone Reminders and Calendars Are Key: Depend on your digital planner, alarm clock, and calendar reminders rather than your memory or willpower.

  • Have Designated Spaces for Valuables: Create designated drop zones by the entrance to your home for keys, glasses, wallets, and phone chargers.

  • Create Short Lists: Divide up your big daily tasks into three or four smaller priority points.

  • Get Adequate Sleep and Rest: Nap in the afternoon and create a bedtime routine for optimal sleep.

  • Drink Plenty of Water and Eat Regularly: Your brain works better when you have a constant blood glucose level and drink plenty of water.

  • Don't Multitask if You Can Help It: Instead of doing many things at once, work on completing one thing at a time.

  • Leave Extra Time for Everything: Leave extra time in your day to avoid rush and stress.

    • Is Momnesia Normal During Pregnancy?

    According to the National Institutes of Health, it is true that mild forgetfulness is totally natural during pregnancy. Nonetheless, there are vast variations among different people in terms of cognitive experiences; whereas some women complain of brain fogginess, others do not face any changes. Occasional forgetfulness is normal and does not suggest that your brain function will be forever impaired.

    When Should You Talk To A Doctor?

    Although regular momnesia does not pose any danger, you should see your obstetrician-gynaecologist or health care provider if:

    • Memory issues happen suddenly or worsen quickly.

  • Memory loss disrupts your well-being and ability to function in your everyday life.

  • Brain fog is coupled with very unusual moods, depression, or anxiety.

  • Memory loss is associated with severe tiredness, dizziness, or other symptoms that can be attributed to thyroid dysfunction or nutritional disorders such as anaemia.

    • Conclusion

    Momnesia is a transient physiological phenomenon as a result of the significant hormone fluctuations and changes, emotional transitions, and physical stresses during pregnancy. 

    Image credits: Freepik

    Stay tuned for more such stories at Her Zindagi.