So, you’ve found your files in the fridge yesterday… and lost your car keys for the third time this week! What is it about pregnancy that makes our brains go all goofy?

Is forgetfulness a sign that there is something wrong with you or your pregnancy? What is the science behind “momnesia” or “pregnancy brain”? Is it legit?

A study at Deakin University in Australia found that overall cognitive functioning was poorer in pregnant women than in non-pregnant women.

In 2016, a small but important study concluded that pregnancy can cause significant and long-lasting changes in the brain structure of a woman. These researchers speculated that a reduction in grey matter is due to the fact that the body is getting rid of neural networks it doesn’t need, which in turn may be associated with an impaired memory.

So, why does this happen? Could surging hormones, lack of sleep, or an iron deficiency cause up to 80% of pregnant women to suffer from “momnesia”? Turns out that although there are no definite conclusions, some experts believe that memory changes during pregnancy is evolutionary. Regions of the brain that control empathy, joy and attachment start firing up helping new moms out with their babies. It’s been suggested that “momnesia” helps you to forget about the unimportant and redirects your focus on the caring of your child, preparing you to become a better mom. Definitely something to think about, right?

We have a few tips on how to outsmart “momnesia”:

Simplify your life. Prioritise what’s important and delegate the rest. Cut yourself some slack.

Have a to-do-list. Track your daily doings and mark them off once you’ve completed them.

Set alarms and notifications. Schedule alerts for meetings or tasks on your phone, laptop, or computer.

Carry a notebook to jot everything down.

Stick post-its wherever you need them.

Avoid multitasking.

Store things, such as keys, in the same place.

Take a photo. When parking your car in a crowded lot, take a photo of your location.

Up your Omega-3s. Eat more eggs, beef, milk, nuts and fish.

Hydrate; You need around nine glasses of water per day when you’re expecting. Don’t wait till your thirsty!

Keep your brain active. Whether it’s learning a new language or a Sudoku puzzle; use it or lose it!

Stimulate circulation and promote cerebral blood flow and oxygen supply to your brain by going for a walk.

Make time to relax.

Get enough sleep. Not only to have the energy to grow and carry a baby, but also to be mentally alert every day.

Have a sense of humour about it. Don’t be too hard on yourself when you do forget things.

So, ladies, know that you’re not alone, there are plenty of stories of pregnancy brain blunders around.

Be open to the fact that grey matter is pruned before and after giving birth to prepare you to be the best mom that you can possibly be. Enjoy every minute of this weirdly wonderful time!

Source: www.hellodoctor.co.za, buzz.auntyacid.com, www.wired.co.uk, www.babycenter.com, mynaturalbabybirth.com, babyandchild.ae, motherandbaby.co.uk, www.sheknows.com, www.livingandloving.co.za, www.babygaga.com, www.bbc.com, pregnancy.thefuntimesguide.com