How to Cope With Memory Loss During Pregnancy

Many women experience memory loss during pregnancy

Many women feel more forgetful during pregnancy and this is particularly true during the third trimester. During your third trimester, you may be feeling overwhelmed. This is usually complicated by difficulty sleeping. Memory loss can be frustrating and even a little scary at times. Here are some tips on coping with memory loss and forgetfulness during pregnancy.

Things You'll Need

• Calander
• Day planner
• Notebook

Instructions

1. Get organized. Make lists, use a day planner or carry a small notebook with you. Be certain to always put your car keys in the same place. You may not have had to do these things before but you may find them necessary during your pregnancy.

2. Simplify your life. Take it easy and put off tasks that can wait. Stressing yourself out over things like cleaning out the closet or rearranging the living room can make the forgetfulness worse. This also isn't the time to be working 60 hours a week and hosting major dinner parties.

3. Remind yourself that being forgetful is a normal part of pregnancy. Don't be too hard on yourself if you forget some small chore or task.

4. Ask others for help. If you are feeling overwhelmed or exhausted, it is OK. Ask your mom to help you shop for baby items. Ask a neighbor to take your older child to soccer practice. Friends and family will be happy to help out during your pregnancy.

Tips & Warnings

• Your entire body is involved in growing and making your baby and this includes your brain. Memory loss at this time is normal and natural.

• Remind yourself that this is a special time in your life. Take care of yourself and your unborn baby.

• If you need to, use your pregnancy as a reason to opt out of things. You will have plenty of opportunities in the future to get involved and help others.

• If you are experiencing memory loss combined with feelings of sadness and loss of interest in formally pleasurable activities, you may be suffering from depression.

• Women who were not warned about memory loss during pregnancy had a higher rate of self-image problems and anxiety.

Resources

• Memory loss study
• What happens to memory during pregnancy?