What Exactly is Pregnancy Brain? Is it a real thing?
Pregnancy brain is a real thing! For many women, pregnancy is accompanied by some cognitive changes. These can include forgetfulness, difficulty concentrating, and mental fog.
Pregnancy brain is often chalked up to hormonal changes, and while that may be part of the reason, it’s not the whole story. A woman’s body is going through so many changes during pregnancy, it’s no wonder her brain might feel a little different too.
The good news is that pregnancy brain is usually temporary and will go away after the baby is born. In the meantime, here are some tips for dealing with it:
How to cope
1. Write things down. Whether it’s a grocery list or a to-do list, getting things out of your head and onto paper (or your phone) can help you feel more organized and less frazzled.
2. Simplify your schedule. If you can, try to lighten your load at work or home. Pregnancy is not the time to take on new projects or responsibilities.
3. Get plenty of rest. Fatigue can contribute to pregnancy brain, so make sure you’re getting enough sleep and taking breaks during the day when you can.
4. Eat healthy. A nutritious diet will help your body (and your brain) function at its best.
5. Exercise. Some research has shown that exercise can help improve memory and cognitive function. If you’re feeling forgetful or mental foggy during pregnancy, know that you’re not alone and that these changes are usually temporary.
With a little extra planning and self-care, you can get through pregnancy brain unscathed!
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