Forgetfulness in pregnancy: what 'pregnancy brain' is, its causes and symptoms

Many women during pregnancy find they cannot remember where they kept something at home. Some forget a doctor's appointment, while others lose track midway through a task of what they were meant to do next. Forgetfulness may increase and concentration may become difficult. These changes are called "pregnancy brain".

Dr Surabhi Siddharth, obstetrician and gynaecologist at Motherhood Hospital, Kharghar, has explained the subject. According to her, hormonal changes, disturbed sleep, physical fatigue and mental stress can cause it. But if the problem persists or begins to interfere with daily tasks, it should not be ignored.

Dr Siddharth said levels of hormones such as oestrogen and progesterone change sharply during pregnancy. These can affect mood, sleep and brain function. For this reason, some women become more forgetful than usual or find it hard to concentrate on a task.

Lack of sleep is also cited as a cause. Frequent urination, heartburn, physical discomfort or difficulty finding a comfortable sleeping position can disturb sleep during pregnancy. Without full, deep sleep, memory, concentration and the ability to think can suffer.

The state of mind also matters. Preparations for the birth, doctor's visits, tests, arrangements at home and worry about the baby's health all run through a pregnant woman's mind at once. Having to think about so many things together can make it hard to focus on daily tasks. Women may also worry about conception, delivery, money, work and parental responsibilities. Being caught up in such thoughts distracts attention and can increase forgetfulness.

Physical fatigue is also mentioned. Many women feel more tired, especially in the first and third trimesters. When the body's energy is low, the capacity to work and to concentrate can also fall.

The experience is not the same for every woman. Some have trouble remembering small things, while others find it difficult to stay focused on a task. The symptoms listed are: not remembering where something was kept; forgetting a doctor's appointment or an important task; suddenly losing track of what one was going to say in a conversation; being unable to concentrate on a task for long; needing reminders more often than usual; and feeling that thinking has slowed or that attention keeps wandering.

Dr Siddharth has suggested some simple habits to reduce forgetfulness, which can make it easier to plan daily tasks and keep up concentration. These include prioritising sleep, keeping fixed times for sleeping and waking and, if possible, resting a little during the day. Writing down doctor's visits, medicines and important tasks on a mobile phone or in a diary, doing one thing at a time, and always keeping essentials such as keys, phone and papers in one place are also recommended. Regular, balanced meals, avoiding dehydration, and walking or doing pregnancy-appropriate exercise if the doctor permits are also advised. She also advises short breaks during mentally tiring work, and talking openly to a doctor if worry or stress is constant.

It has also been pointed out that hormonal change is not the only reason for forgetfulness in pregnancy. If the forgetfulness is severe, has suddenly increased or is significantly affecting daily life, a gynaecologist should be consulted. If there is persistent fatigue, dizziness, weakness or other symptoms, tests for anaemia, thyroid problems, sleep disorders or other health causes may be necessary. Doctors can suggest the appropriate tests based on the symptoms.

Overall, forgetfulness or poor concentration in pregnancy can be a different kind of experience for many women, in which hormones, reduced sleep, fatigue and stress may play a part. Occasionally forgetting something is generally not a cause for concern. But if the forgetfulness is severe or persistent, it should not be dismissed as a normal part of pregnancy, and a doctor's advice is essential.