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Is forgetfulness a common pregnancy symptom?
Q: I am 29 weeks pregnant. I also work full-time and do the majority of the household duties. My pregnancy has gone very well. I have had absolutely no problems, no morning sickness, no hypertension, no diabetes. However, throughout my pregnancy I have had memory lapses. I've had something written down in my date book and then completely forgotten about it anyways. For example, I was supposed to go to a baby shower at a particular time and completely forgot. My husband had to remind me. I refer to these instances as "prego moments." I think I read that a few minor lapses are normal because of all the hormones. Is forgetfulness normal?
A:
Forgetfulness is a common perception during pregnancy. I have heard it called "pregnancy brain" or "placenta brain." Studies on cognition, though, show that brain function during pregnancy is not different than when not pregnant. Still, many women share the feeling of not being as sharp and on top of things as usual.
When I was interviewing moms for The Working Woman's Pregnancy Book, one said that she felt similarly before her wedding, when she was distracted and forgetful. She chalked it up to having a lot on her mind—and it does seem like you have a lot on your plate as well (29 weeks pregnant, working full-time, and doing the majority of the household duties)! Several other moms we interviewed for the book said they overcame this feeling by keeping better track in writing, and referring to their calendars, more often. I hope this helps!
Obstetrics and Gynecology
A board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist and fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dr. Marjorie Greenfield has practiced and taught obstetrics and gynecology since 1987, currently as Professor at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and MacDonald Women's Hospital of University Hospitals Case Medical Center.
In addition to clinical practice and teaching, Dr. Greenfield writes extensively for the Web. Her latest project is The Working Woman's Pregnancy Book, published in 2008 by Yale University Press.
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