Baby Brain?

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Is there such a thing as "baby brain"? I have heard women use this as a reason for forgetfulness. Is there a reason for it? I know I feel a bit more forgetful since becoming pregnant.

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Specializes in ALF, Medical, ER.

I don't know if it is scientifically proven, but yes ever since I had my daughter I can tell you firsthand that my memory is not as sharp as what it once was (actually there are alot of things about me that are not as good as they used to be before kids but what can ya do?) I guess maybe lack of sleep, added stress and worry can all combine to make you a little more forgetful.

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Specializes in GI,Rehab, Ortho/Neuro.

Have to agree with Tiggerbelly. Ever since my little angel came along I have lost part of my brain:) I hope I can find it again.

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Specializes in psychiatric ER, Mental Health.

I recently started my first RN job in May. I had some serious "preggo brain" Now since I had my sweet one, I have a little baby brain. I have not gotten back to work yet. ( Had some complications s/p c-sec )

I am not sure if baby brain/preggo brain are the same or if beby brain is worse. I have been doing ok.... (or so I think)

Best to you!!!!

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Specializes in Emergency Midwifery.

I have thought that so called "nappy brain"might be due to preoccupation with other things of new and expectant mothers could explain this temporary forgetfulness.

Don't worry your brain will return! :lol2:

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Yep - fatigue caused mine.

Now it is menopause brain.

Hormones control us. One way or the other. ;)

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Specializes in Community, OB, Nursery.

Round these parts we call it placenta brain. :D

I swear half my brain came out with the placenta. Seriously, though, I think it was probably the combination of lack of sleep, new mom-itis, and (for me, at least) postpartum depression.

When one of the girls at work is pregnant (and someone always is) and forgets something, we gently tease her about having a 'placenta moment.'

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A few years ago, I remember reading something scientists were saying about womens tendency to become very forgetful etc when pregnant and for a bit after delivery.

Now, I don't remember where I read it but what they were saying was during pregnancy more blood is diverted to the placenta, thus the brain isn't getting as much as normal. Its still getting enough blood to function properly but obviously with less, the brain has to compensate and somewhat "shut down" certain parts..ie the memory part etc.

And here is another that claims that the brain shrinks during pregnancy, due to the cell size shrinking due to volume loss.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/htmlContent.jhtml?html=/archive/1997/01/09/nshr09.html

http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/memory/understand/memory_pregnancy.shtml

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Specializes in L&D,Wound Care, SNC.

I worked night shift when I was pregnant. It was close to the end of my shift and I had washed my hands. About 15 minutes later one of our surgical techs demanded to know who left the water running at the hand washing sink! The sink had over flowed and water was all over the floor. I had apparently just dried my hands and walked away. :trout:

It took like 5 blankets to clean up the water! I had many moments of forgetfulness during my pregnancy.

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Wanted to add:

Normally I am a very organized person..to the point of being obsessive/compulsive about it. Add to that I have a memory like an elephant. Many people comment that they are amazed with all that I remember.

During my first pregnancy, I noticed my short term memory was a bit lax, but nothing life-altering. Not long after delivery, I was back to my norm with memory and organization but not quite as sharp as prepregnancy.

Fast forward 9 years later, pregnant with baby #2. It seemed as if the second that child as conceived, my memory was shot to hell and I was totally disorganized. People made mention about this and asked if everything was ok. I figured like the first pregnancy, not long after delivery, I'd be back to normal. Not so, it was months and months and months before I felt "normal" in terms of memory/organization. And again much less "sharp".

I swear each baby took a bit of my organization and short term memory!

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my husband told me the only reason i passed a difficult math course was that i had 2 brains. at the time i was 9 months pregnant with #2. he's still living...

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Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

chalk it up to stress

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