If you’ve had a baby and feel forgetful, distracted, or mentally foggy, you’re not imagining it — you might be experiencing what many call “mom brain.” I personally have had it..twice! It does get better.
Also known as “baby brain” or “pregnancy brain,” this term describes the memory lapses and mental fatigue many new parents experience during pregnancy and postpartum.
Why Mom Brain Happens
Research suggests “mom brain” is real and normal. After birth, your brain goes through major changes to support bonding and caregiving. At the same time, the lack of sleep, hormonal shifts, and emotional stress can make it harder to concentrate and remember things.
Common signs include:
Forgetfulness or mental fog
Trouble focusing
Feeling scattered or distracted
Needing more reminders than usual
What Helps
Prioritize rest whenever possible (easier said than done!)
Write things down or use phone reminders (I use my iphone to-do list religiously)
Ask for support from friends, family, or your partner
Be kind to yourself — this phase is temporary
Mom brain is a sign your brain is adapting to care for your baby, not that something is wrong. Over time, your memory and focus usually improve.
📚 Sources
Hoekzema, E., et al. (2017). Pregnancy leads to long-lasting changes in human brain structure. Nature Neuroscience, 20(2), 287–296.
https://www.nature.com/articles/nn.4458de Lange, A.-M. G., et al. (2020). Brain structure and maternal behavior in the postpartum period. Nature Communications, 11, 6323.
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-020-20115-6American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). Your Postpartum Brain.
https://www.acog.org/womens-health/experts-and-stories/the-latest/your-postpartum-brain