Forgetfulness in pregnancy

Pregnant women tend to forgetfulness

08/28/2013

Women undergo tremendous physical and psychological changes during pregnancy and lactation. Many women are prone to forgetfulness, confusion and have concentration and word problems. That's no reason to worry. It is expected that the impairment will pass soon after birth.

Often it is also spoken of a pregnancy or breastfeeding dementia. From a medical point of view, however, that is not entirely correct, because „This memory deficit is not permanent“, says Silvia Oddo, Psychotherapist specializing in Obstetrics at the University of Frankfurt. Dementia, on the other hand, always signifies a permanent degradation process.

This condition is for professionals much more than just subjective perception, as evidenced by various studies. Especially in activities that require higher memory, it comes to unfocusedness. „Pregnant or breastfeeding women often can not plan complex actions or regulate their emotions“, informs the expert. Recent studies show that predictive memory is also affected. Pregnant women often have difficulty meeting deadlines that are a few days in the future.

However, the onset forgetfulness is not due to structural changes in the brain. „There is no known anatomical connection.“ Rather, scientists assume that the memory deficit is based on hormonal changes. After birth, the oxytocin and prolactin levels are elevated. Increased hormone release promotes on the one hand, the attachment to the newborn, but also leads to a focus. "Mother and child live in a microcosm - other areas of life are forgotten," explains Oddo.

Past studies came to similar conclusions
In 2008, a total of 14 international studies were evaluated, in which more than 1,000 women participated. Even then it was found that the memory is impaired during pregnancy - and still partially up to a year after birth. But overall, the impact is low, according to the study. However, more demanding memory tasks such as multitasking and routine tasks remained unaffected.

Surprisingly, these results are not really. A pregnancy messes up the whole life. „The body then no longer knows: Should I follow me or the needs of the child??“ For the mothers, there is no properly regulated daily routine after delivery. In addition to the lack of deep sleep during pregnancy, sleep problems can be added due to the new biorhythm. Memory and concentration disorders are nothing unusual.

The psychotherapist has some tips for mothers. "They should try to sleep through a night, too." At night, the man could take care of the child. In order to get enough sleep and rest, women should also learn to leave the budget. "Especially at the beginning of lactation, the mother should sleep when the child sleeps, instead of washing up or to do the household." After they do the housework, it is important to finish small things, before returning to the child turns.
In addition to regular sleep, the brain also needs enough food and fluids to work properly. "Drink a lot and eat well," recommends Oddo. Small notes help to remember appointments. "It's also important to challenge your brain differently than to take care of your child and your household." This includes reading a newspaper or meeting friends for a chat. (Fr)