29 Jul Pregnancy Brain Explained: Understanding the Cognitive Changes

It’s no secret pregnancy causes many changes in a woman’s body – physically and emotionally.

One of the most common changes occurs in the brain, a phenomenon known as the pregnancy brain. 

The pregnancy brain is often referred to as momnesia or baby brain.
This condition underlies the cognitive struggles and difficulty associated with concentrating that some women experience during pregnancy and sometimes after giving birth. 

Generally, pregnancy is characterized by an increase in steroid hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, and cortisol. These hormones will be discussed in detail in the following sections.
Steroid hormones are responsible for handling metabolism, inflammation, immune functions, salt and water balance, the development of sexual characteristics, and the ability to withstand injury and illness during pregnancy.  

The genesis of pregnancy brain stems at least partially from the influx of these steroid hormones. This, among other factors, will be mentioned in this article.

What are the risk factors for pregnancy brain?

Risk factors are the causative agents for developing the condition known as pregnancy brain. 

Such antecedents include the aforementioned hormonal changes, sleep deprivation, stress and anxiety, and physical changes in the brain. 

Changes in hormones 

Hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, and cortisol are pivotal factors responsible for the paradigm shift in the brain during pregnancy. 

Estrogen is the hormone that is responsible for the development of your baby’s organs, the correct functioning of the placenta, and helping the body prepare for breastfeeding. 

However, the influx of estrogen causes nausea and weakens the tissue that connects bones. This, however, puts pressure on your lower back and pelvis. 

The progesterone hormone plays the role of providing oxygen and nutrients to the fetus and also removing carbon dioxide and other waste products. While the progesterone hormone is needed for the optimal development of the baby, too much of it leads to fatigue, water retention, bloating, and ovarian cancer. 

Cortisol is a generic hormone that has a subtle effect during pregnancy. It boosts your immunity by limiting inflammation. Research has shown that high cortisol levels during pregnancy are linked to lower birth weight and height and a 2.3-fold increased risk of developing postpartum depressive symptoms. 

Lack of sleep 

Insomnia is very apparent among pregnant women. 

This is a result of extreme tiredness and pain during the first trimester of pregnancy. 

The side effects of the increase in hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, and cortisol also contribute greatly to the lack of sleep as the feeling of nausea becomes more severe.

Lack of sleep, according to research, causes the malfunction of neurons. This then leads to an adverse impact on the pregnant woman’s behaviour and cognitive response. 

Stress and anxiety 

Although it is advised to harbour positive thoughts during your pregnancy, the tendency to harbour a hint of fear of a miscarriage or other similar occurrences is apparent.  Fear can manifest itself as stress and anxiety.  

The effects stress and anxiety have on the functioning of the brain include forgetfulness, rigid thinking, difficulty with concentration, constant worrying, and poor judgment.

Alterations in the brain 

During pregnancy, the brain’s grey matter may shrink. 

The grey matter of the brain is the part that contains the cell bodies and synapses of nerve cells. Synapses of the nerve cells are the places where the nerve cells connect and communicate with each other. 

The grey matter is responsible for the social recognition of the brain. Social recognition is how the brain encodes, decodes, and interprets communication. It involves the intricate mechanisms that guide how people perceive, process, and interpret social information. 

How do you manage your pregnancy brain? 

Your mental acuity can drastically improve if you get at least 7 hours of sleep every day. Twenty minutes of rest during the day is also greatly recommended. 

Incorporating omega-3 fatty acids, blueberries, eggs, and spinach into your diet while pregnant may help boost the cognitive function of your brain.

Hydration is also equally as important as it boosts your concentration and increases your energy levels.

Always endeavour to be kind to yourself by learning to find humor in situations that trigger fear and tumultuous confusion. Great mental health is always an asset.   

Conclusion

Pregnancy brain is real and it can be challenging to deal with. However, understanding the pathogenesis and etiology is key to managing this condition, as well as consulting your healthcare team and qualified healthcare professionals who have completed the requisite direct entry MSN program.

It is good to know that with dedicated self-care management, the effects of pregnancy brain can be reversed, so it is not a permanent indisposition. 

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Last Updated on August 2, 2024 by Marie Benz MD FAAD