Forgetfulness is a common problem in pregnancy. Short term memory difficulties are most common in the first and third trimesters of pregnancy. For a first time mother, this can be concerning. You may feel like you can’t concentrate or remember simple things, like what you needed at the store. Don’t worry, it’s totally normal.
Experts really aren’t sure what causes forgetfulness. Studies don’t offer much help. Some show memory differences between women who are expecting and those who are not. Other studies show no real difference in memory or cognitive ability. This inconsistency makes it even more confusing.
One theory is that forgetfulness is caused by pregnant mothers being distracted from daily events by the pregnancy. In early pregnancy, you may find yourself daydreaming about the baby or worrying about finances, your job, if you have room for the baby or any of a number of other issues. In late pregnancy, you are concentrating on getting ready for the baby.
If you aren’t sleeping well, this can affect your memory. Many studies have shown that a lack of sleep causes forgetfulness. Insomnia is a common problem in pregnancy. Certain discomforts, such as nausea, trips to the bathroom and your growing belly can make sleeping difficult in different stages of pregnancy. These can all affect the memory.
By itself, forgetfulness is not a problem. However, if loss of memory is accompanied by other symptoms, it can signal a problem. Depression can be a problem in pregnancy. If your forgetfulness is accompanied by other symptoms of depression, talk to your health care provider. Symptoms of depression include feelings of sadness, lack of enjoyment in previously enjoyed activities, changes in sleeping and changes in appetite.
There are a few things you can do to deal with forgetfulness. One is to get organized. If you are going to the store, be sure to write out a list. This will help you avoid standing in the aisle of the grocery store with a blank expression on your face. Create a to do list with the things you need to accomplish each day.
Changes in memory can also be a signal that you are doing too much. If you are working extra hours to save money for the baby and spending a lot of time preparing your home for the baby after work, you may need to slow down a bit. Make a list of what needs to be done and prioritize. If you don’t get to everything on the list, it can wait until tomorrow. This is good training for when the baby arrives and you can’t get everything done.
Related Articles:
Pampering Yourself in Late Pregnancy