It can take up to six years to recover from pregnancy brain

As a mom, you may have found yourself struggling to remember the name of a common household item or even a friend’s name, even though you’ve known each other for years. 

Dr Tasneem Gallant, Obstetrician and Gynaecologist from Mediclinic Constantiaberg, explains why pregnancy brain or ‘momnesia’ affects 80% of women who have children, especially toddlers or newborns. 

Pregnancy is known for the massive impact and toll it can take on the body, particularly because the physical changes are easily recognisable. However, the effect that pregnancy has on the brain often flies under the radar. Mommy brain affects women who are either currently pregnant or new moms for years after they’ve given birth.

While it’s often discussed lightly, the science behind it is compelling. “Pregnancy brain is a real phenomenon. Pregnancy-related changes to the respiratory, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, endocrine and immunological systems are well understood and often highlighted more than changes in the brain. Studies have demonstrated neuroanatomical changes such as a decrease in grey matter volume, cortical thinning, an increase in white matter and ventricular volume size during pregnancy. Not surprisingly, most studies reveal recovery after pregnancy. Despite these changes, many believe that pregnancy brain is likely a result of multiple factors, including neuroplasticity, sleep deprivation and stress during pregnancy and the postpartum period.” Dr Gallant says.

How does it manifest during pregnancy? Common symptoms women typically experience may include:

• Memory lapses and difficulty recalling names or words
• Brain fog
• Poor concentration
• Disorientation
• Clumsiness
• Absentmindedness

“The hormonally influenced decrease in grey matter volume observed during pregnancy is thought to contribute to pregnancy-related brain symptoms. It is thought that these brain adaptations enable a heightened response to an infant’s needs and increase bonding between mother and child,” explains Dr Gallant.

“Women do recover from pregnancy brain, eventually.” According to Dr Gallant, usually women describe pregnancy brain symptoms for 6 months to 2 years, but small studies suggest that neuroanatomical changes can persist for up to 6 years or more.

But some symptoms are more extreme and Dr Gallant advises that women should seek advice from a professional if they start to display signs of depression and anxiety, like severe sadness, loss of interest in activities previously enjoyed and if they experience thoughts of self-harm or harm to others.

While the experience may be disorienting at times, it’s important to remember that it's temporary, normal, and often a sign of the brain’s way of preparing the mother for this new chapter.

If you would like to learn more about the pregnancy brain symptoms that you’ve experienced, contact a gynaecologist at your nearest Mediclinic