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Published on: 4/28/2025

Why Does Brain Fog Occur During Pregnancy?

Brain fog during pregnancy can happen because changes in hormones, sleep patterns, and stress levels affect how the brain processes information. These natural shifts help prepare the body for motherhood but can sometimes make thinking slower or fuzzier.

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Explanation

During pregnancy, the body goes through many natural changes that can lead to brain fog. One big reason is the change in hormone levels such as estrogen and progesterone. These hormones help the body get ready for a baby, but they can also change the way the brain works, making thoughts feel slow or foggy. Another reason is that sleep may not be as good during pregnancy because of discomfort or worrying thoughts, and when you do not sleep well, it can be harder to think clearly. Pregnancy can also bring stress and new responsibilities that add extra weight to the mind. The body might be busy working on lots of things at once, from keeping the baby healthy to preparing for life changes, which can use up mental energy. Together, these factors can make everyday thinking "foggy”, or completing tasks seem harder, even though these changes are part of the normal process of becoming a parent.

(References)

  • Barda G, Mizrachi Y, Borokchovich I, Yair L, Kertesz DP, Dabby R. The effect of pregnancy on maternal cognition. Sci Rep. 2021 Jun 9;11(1):12187. doi: 10.1038/s41598-021-91504-9. PMID: 34108532; PMCID: PMC8190150.

  • Holland C, Hammond C, Richmond MM. COVID-19 and Pregnancy: Risks and Outcomes. Nurs Womens Health. 2023 Feb;27(1):31-41. doi: 10.1016/j.nwh.2022.11.004. Epub 2022 Dec 14. PMID: 36528073; PMCID: PMC9749909.

  • Davies SJ, Lum JA, Skouteris H, Byrne LK, Hayden MJ. Cognitive impairment during pregnancy: a meta-analysis. Med J Aust. 2018 Jan 15;208(1):35-40. doi: 10.5694/mja17.00131. PMID: 29320671.

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