Brain Fog

"Pregnancy brain" or brain fog: Why does it happen and should you worry

"Put the keys in the fridge", "Forgot why you entered the room", "Can't find the right word" — these situations are familiar to many expectant mothers. This state of scatterbrainedness, forgetfulness, and concentration difficulties has received the unofficial name "pregnancy brain" or "momnesia". Although it can cause anxiety and uncertainty, it is important to know: it is completely normal, common and, most importantly, temporary, with a fully scientific explanation.

What is "pregnancy brain"?

The term refers to the subjective feeling of reduced cognitive functions during pregnancy and the first year after childbirth. It is not a disease or a diagnosis, but rather a collection of symptoms that include:

• Short-term memory problems: Difficulty recalling what you ate for breakfast or where you placed your phone.
• Concentration difficulties: Hard to focus on a work task or finish reading a book.
• Scatterbrainedness: General feeling of "fog" in the head, lack of cohesion.

Scientific background: Why does it happen?

Scientists are still studying this phenomenon, but they already identify several key reasons:

1. Hormonal reshuffling. Levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone in the first trimester increase by hundreds of times. These hormones affect neurotransmitter activity in the brain, which can temporarily alter memory and concentration processes. Animal studies have shown that progesterone has a sedative effect, explaining not only sleepiness but also a certain "sluggishness".
2. Changes in brain structure. This is the most interesting! MRI studies have shown that during pregnancy the volume of gray matter in certain brain regions temporarily decreases. But this is not a "brain breakdown"! Scientists believe this is a process of "fine-tuning" and optimization. The brain sheds unnecessary neural connections to strengthen those responsible for empathy, social interaction, and the ability to recognize a child's needs — in other words, it prepares for motherhood.
3. External factors. Don't forget simple yet powerful factors: poor sleep, stress, anxiety about the future, a huge influx of new information and physical discomfort. When you constantly think about doctor visits, tests and shopping lists, it's no surprise that everyday minutiae slip from your mind.

This condition is not a sign that you are becoming less intelligent. On the contrary, your brain undergoes an incredible adaptation to a new, most important role in your life. You can read about other physical and emotional changes in our articles.