Is Mom Brain Real?

Is Mom Brain Real?

Is Mom Brain Real?

Pregnancy brain, mom brain - whatever you call it - many of us feel it.

But what is “mom brain”?

For me, it’s forgetfulness. It’s fog. I compare trying to focus like trying to run in your sleep. Its right there at your fingertips, but you just can’t do it. As I write this blog post, 5 months postpartum, I’m not totally convinced it will make sense so read with caution (JK!).

But is “mom brain” actually a thing or just another stereotype about moms falling apart?

I had to know. So I put down my coffee (and immediately forgot where I set it) and dug into the science. Here’s what I found:

TL;DR: Yes, Mom Brain Is Real

Cognitive changes during pregnancy and postpartum are backed by science. But they’re not necessarily a sign that your brain is failing. In fact, many changes are part of a massive neurological upgrade that helps you become a more tuned-in, responsive parent.

Let’s break it down.

Your Brain Literally Changes During Pregnancy

MRI studies show that pregnancy shrinks the brain’s gray matter—especially in areas related to social cognition and empathy. Sounds scary, but it’s actually believed to be a type of pruning: your brain becomes more efficient and specialized for baby-focused tasks. Think of it as decluttering your mental hard drive.

In a 2016 study published in Nature Neuroscience, researchers scanned women’s brains before and after their first pregnancy. The changes were long-lasting—up to two years postpartum—and helped new moms recognize and respond to their babies’ needs better [1].

Forgetfulness? Yep, That’s Real Too

Multiple studies confirm mild memory and attention issues during pregnancy and postpartum. You might walk into a room and forget why. Or reread the same sentence four times. (Guilty.)

A 2018 meta-analysis found that pregnant women performed slightly worse on memory and executive function tasks than non-pregnant women. The differences weren’t huge—but they were consistent [2].

Here’s the good news: apparently most of these changes are temporary and normalize within a year after birth. (but don’t hold me to it!)

But You’re Not “Losing It.” You’re Just Overloaded

Sleep deprivation, hormonal shifts, mental load, and emotional stress all compound the problem. Your brain isn’t broken. It’s just very, very full.

Think about it: you’re keeping a tiny human alive, remembering pediatrician appointments, tracking feeding times, and also trying to recall where you left your phone (again). Of course you’re forgetting things. This isn’t a glitch. It’s a capacity issue.

Mom Brain = Adaptive Brain

What researchers are starting to realize is that these changes might actually be evolutionary advantages.

“Motherhood may enhance cognitive functions related to survival and caregiving,” says Dr. Jodi Pawluski, a neuroscientist who studies maternal brain changes [3].

That includes being more attuned to emotional cues, more responsive to cries, and more motivated to protect. You’re becoming someone new. Someone who can hear a baby stir from across the house in your sleep and know exactly how long it’s been since their last feeding. Superpower, not setback.

Okay, But How Do You Cope With It?

You don’t need to “fix” your brain, but you can make life easier:

  • Write things down. Sticky notes are your new best friend.
  • Prioritize sleep (LOL, but seriously).
  • Lean on your village. Let other people hold some of the mental load.
  • Practice Acceptance. You’re learning a new language, juggling hormones, and building a whole new identity.

Final Thought

Yes, mom brain is real—but it’s not a flaw. It’s a functional, adaptive shift that helps you tune into your baby and survive the wild ride of new motherhood. Girl power! Your brain isn’t broken. You’re just busy.

References

[1]: “Pregnancy leads to long-lasting changes in human brain structure” – Nature Neuroscience [2]: “Pregnancy is associated with brain changes that help prepare for motherhood” – Medical News Today [3]: “The neuroscience of maternal mental health” – Frontiers in Global Women’s Health [4]: “A meta-analysis of cognitive performance during pregnancy” – Developmental Psychobiology [5]: “Cognitive and emotional changes during motherhood: A review” – *Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews