I've been feeling very forgetful lately. I've dropped some balls at work, can't remember where I put the remote last, and thought I told my husband to grab something from the store, but never actually did. The struggle of "baby brain" is real!
For someone that prides herself on paying attention to every last detail you can imagine the frustration that I experience when things just don't come to the front of my mind easily or I just plain forget to do something. The fact that "momnesia" has some credibility makes me feel only slightly better about my forgetfulness.
Because there are more hormones flying around in your brain during pregnancy and your priorities are shifting from day to day work to preparing for a baby it's no wonder that so many expecting moms feel like their mind is failing them. I'm certainly one of those moms.
It's not like it gets easier when the baby is born, because once you throw in little to no sleep, the forgetfulness is amplified.
Here is what I do to combat "momnesia".
Simplify Life
I have started to say no to spreading myself so thin. Tasks that I typically do I charge other people to do whether that's at work or in my household. Taking things off my to-do list and putting it on someone else to do means that I don't have to remember to check it off. Being able to pay attention to the essential things is very helpful to continued productivity.
Get More Sleep ... if that's even possible
At the end of pregnancy you tend to get less and less sleep, so this one tends to be pretty difficult. However, any time you can fit in a nap on the weekend is a chance for your body to recharge and your brain to rest. This extra rest will definitely improve your brain function.
Write Things Down
I have a to-do list that I keep at work for all the items that need to get done. This ensures that I don't drop the ball on any essential items. It's always worth double and triple checking my to-do list.
Set Reminders
I also use a calendar for just about everything I do. If there is a task I need to get done I simply add this to my phone and an alarm will go off reminding me that I need to take action. I also use people to help remind me, namely my husband. Lately, he has asked me to look into something and I hadn't done it, but his gentle reminders are a nice nudge to keep me on track.
Laugh it off
This can affect anyone who is pregnant or sleep-deprived to various degrees. It's important to be able to laugh about the affects that "momnesia" can have on your life.