Overcoming Pregnancy Brain

Forgetfulness or pregnancy brain is commonly reported by women during pregnancy. Although some studies suggest women are more forgetful during pregnancy, often the studies have no record of the women's memories before pregnancy. While pregnancy brain can be a challenging and possibly confusing time for many women, there are ways to help get through the period of being a little scatterbrained. In the August 2010 issue of American Baby magazine, five tips are offered for overcoming pregnancy brain.

Get Plenty of Sleep

Lack of sleep or poor sleep can through off your cognition according to the article, and often pregnant women suffer from a lack of sleep. From running to the bathroom every few hours to an inability to get comfortable at night, many pregnant women are loosing much needed sleep. One remedy is to try to take naps during the day especially when you are missing out on your regular 6 - 8 hour sleep regime. A mid-afternoon nap can be the key to better brain function.

Acupuncture Anyone?

Acupuncture is often used for various aliments that seem not to have a conventional remedy. For pregnancy brain the theory is the baby blocks the flow of chi to mom's brain. Before attempting other alternative methods, mothers especially those who are high risk should consult their physician.

Make a Daily To-Do List

During my own pregnancy, a daily to-do list did the trick for making sure everything that needed to get done was completed. The to-do list should be relatively short-5 things or less, and items should be marked off they are completed. Having more than one copy of the list is a good idea just in case the master list is lost. Dating the list is also helpful to avoid completing yesterday's list today.

Exercise

Studies show that exercise has the ability to sharpen memory. Including a 15 - 30 minute workout everyday will aid in cognitive ability and help with sleep. A traditional exercise plan may not be required, but some basic cardio or strength training should be beneficial. Walking around the block, lifting weights or cans during commercials, and taking the stairs at work instead of the elevator are all ways to incorporate some exercise to combat pregnancy brain.

Enlist a Memory Support Team

Finally, seek help. Have your partner, best friend, co-worker, mom, or all of the above be part of a memory support team. They can help with keeping up with appointments, the location of keys, and when to take medicine. A good support team can be an essential tool in combating pregnancy brain, and a great group to tap into later on once baby arrives.

If you are suffering from pregnancy brain, there is help available, just remember to write down where to find it and keep up with the list.