POLL: Is there truth to "Pregnancy Brain"

[msjj]

I have been a lurking for quiet some time and have enjoyed many of the postings here at FT. FT and the ladies here have been great resources of information. So now I come to you all for insight on the term Pregnancy Brain. Truth? Myth? or somewhere in between? I am wondering about pregnancy brain/forgetfulness....I have heard a few comments on PB such as..."it's okay, you just have pregnancy brain." I truly didn't believe in it .... but now I might be coming around to the other side What's your experience? thoughts etc. Thanks for any advice!

[BC-GoMom]

totally true- and it turns into mommy brain- then your head explodes

[Tia38]

I didn't want to believe it, but certainly by the middle-to-end of my pg I had pregnancy brain.

And yes, it has turned into mommy brain. ;-)

Two things:

1. A friend reccomend a book called (I think?) The Mommy Brain. I haven't read it yet, but it's supposed to explain that you experience an increase and shift in brain power (since you have a lot more to deal with) even if it looks like a loss.

2. At first I was sad because I thought I had lost my brain (or part of it). I'm now convinced it's not lost -- it transferred to DD. :-) This makes me very happy. She's only 3months old, so time will tell if it's true.

I think hormones account for some of the changes, lack of sleep certainly adds in.

A colleague also pointed out that aside from being a new mom, age may be kicking in (I'm 40).

Oh joy. ;-)

-tia

[eleni68]

YES it does exist!

[crissiej]

Yes and it doesn't go away after the birth of the baby. My RE called it Estrogen Brain.

[msjj]

Thanks ladies...at least I'm not alone on this one Tia & Crissiej, thanks for the info. if I find the book I'll let everyone know if it was worth the read. Hope everyone is doing great! msjj

[AthenaD]

I'm a total believer! DD is now almost 14 months and mommy brain is in full swing!

[CC1231]

It's totally true - and the more children you have, the worse it gets over time. Although I will say when the "baby" gets to be about 3 you do start getting some of your brain back, and if you don't get it back you won't notice any way. It's like a perpetual state of ignorance is bliss! LOL.

[agnes2712]

It is so true!!! My DH recorded a TV show, I cant remember if it was 20/20 or dateline....one of those. Anyway, they were showing scientific proof that a Mothers brain shrinks while she is pregnant!!!!! It does go back to normal after she has the baby though....Thank God!!!!

[sofo]

I believe it too, and I'm only 5 weeks...