Is "pregnancy brain" a myth or a real brain change?

Is "pregnancy brain" a myth or a real brain change? (Photo: iStock)

Pregnancy brain, often called "mum brain" or "momnesia", refers to the common experience of mild cognitive changes such as forgetfulness, difficulty concentrating and mental fog during and shortly after pregnancy. These changes are often attributed to significant hormonal shifts (particularly oestrogen), sleep disruption, stress, and even measurable structural brain changes.

Science now shows that "pregnancy brain" is very real and it's not about losing brain power. Instead, it's about the brain reshaping itself for motherhood. A major study led by neuroscientist Dr Elseline Hoekzema, published in Nature Neuroscience, found that pregnancy causes subtle reductions in grey matter in areas of the brain linked to social awareness and emotional understanding. Rather than being a negative change, researchers believe this fine-tuning helps new mothers become more attuned to their baby's needs.