Maternal Health

"Pregnancy Brain" and Forgetfulness

Medically reviewed by Dr. Lisa Okafor, MD, FACOG · Board-Certified OB-GYN

Content reviewed against published NIH, ACOG, March of Dimes guidelines

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Your health matters just as much as your baby's. If you are dealing with "pregnancy brain" and forgetfulness, here is what you need to know.

The short answer

Pregnancy brain - the feeling of forgetfulness, difficulty concentrating, or mental fog during pregnancy - is a real phenomenon supported by research. Studies show minor declines in memory and executive function during pregnancy, likely due to hormonal changes, sleep deprivation, and the cognitive load of preparing for a baby. It is temporary and not a sign of any serious condition.

Key takeaways

  • Pregnancy brain - the feeling of forgetfulness, difficulty concentrating, or mental fog during pregnancy - is a real phenomenon supported by research. Studies show minor declines in memory and executive function during pregnancy, likely due to hormonal changes, sleep deprivation, and the cognitive load of preparing for a baby. It is temporary and not a sign of any serious condition.
  • Usually normal when: Occasionally forgetting appointments, losing track of thoughts, or misplacing items
  • Call your doctor if: Sudden onset of confusion, difficulty speaking, or disorientation, which could indicate a serious medical condition
  • Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
“About 1 in 8 women experience symptoms of postpartum depression. If you have symptoms of depression that last longer than 2 weeks, tell your health care provider.”
— Depression During and After Pregnancy, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Thousands of parents search for this exact thing. You are not alone.

What Parents Should Know

According to NIH, ACOG, March of Dimes guidelines, pregnancy brain - the feeling of forgetfulness, difficulty concentrating, or mental fog during pregnancy - is a real phenomenon supported by research. Studies show minor declines in memory and executive function during pregnancy, likely due to hormonal changes, sleep deprivation, and the cognitive load of preparing for a baby. It is temporary and not a sign of any serious condition. At First trimester, brain fog may begin early as hormones surge and fatigue sets in. Rising progesterone levels can cause drowsiness and difficulty concentrating. Combined with nausea and emotional adjustments, cognitive function can feel affected. Using lists, phone reminders, and routines can help manage forgetfulness. It is generally considered normal when occasionally forgetting appointments, losing track of thoughts, or misplacing items. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if sudden onset of confusion, difficulty speaking, or disorientation, which could indicate a serious medical condition.

Sources: [1], [2], [3]

Normal vs. Concerning

Usually Normal
Worth Discussing
Occasionally forgetting appointments, losing track of thoughts, or misplacing items
Sudden onset of confusion, difficulty speaking, or disorientation, which could indicate a serious medical condition
Difficulty multitasking or focusing that is mild and manageable
Cognitive changes accompanied by severe headache, vision changes, or seizures, which could indicate preeclampsia or other emergencies
Mental fog that worsens with poor sleep and improves with rest
Cognitive changes are severe enough to affect work performance or safety
Feeling scattered but still able to function in daily life
Memory problems are accompanied by persistent confusion or disorientation

By Age

What to expect by age

First trimester

Brain fog may begin early as hormones surge and fatigue sets in. Rising progesterone levels can cause drowsiness and difficulty concentrating. Combined with nausea and emotional adjustments, cognitive function can feel affected. Using lists, phone reminders, and routines can help manage forgetfulness.

Second trimester

Some people find cognitive function improves in the second trimester as energy returns and nausea subsides. For others, brain fog continues. Research suggests that pregnancy-related cognitive changes are subtle and may be more related to attention shifting toward the baby than actual memory loss.

Third trimester

Brain fog is often most noticeable in the third trimester, when sleep disruption is worst and there is the most to prepare for. Be patient with yourself. Use tools like written lists, calendar apps, and asking for help with important tasks. These cognitive changes are temporary and typically resolve in the postpartum period.

Postpartum

Postpartum brain fog can continue due to sleep deprivation and the enormous demands of newborn care. Most people find their cognitive function returns to normal as sleep improves and routines are established, though this may take months.

What to Tell Your Pediatrician

  • Describe when you first noticed "pregnancy brain" and forgetfulness and how it has changed over time.
  • Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
  • Mention if cognitive changes are severe enough to affect work performance or safety.
  • Mention if memory problems are accompanied by persistent confusion or disorientation.
  • Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
  • Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.

What Should You Do?

When to take action

Probably normal when...
  • Occasionally forgetting appointments, losing track of thoughts, or misplacing items
  • Difficulty multitasking or focusing that is mild and manageable
  • Mental fog that worsens with poor sleep and improves with rest
  • Feeling scattered but still able to function in daily life
Mention at your next visit when...
  • Cognitive changes are severe enough to affect work performance or safety
  • Memory problems are accompanied by persistent confusion or disorientation
  • Brain fog is accompanied by other symptoms like severe headache or vision changes
Act now when...
  • Sudden onset of confusion, difficulty speaking, or disorientation, which could indicate a serious medical condition
  • Cognitive changes accompanied by severe headache, vision changes, or seizures, which could indicate preeclampsia or other emergencies

What You Can Do at Home

  • Keep track of when you notice "pregnancy brain" and forgetfulness — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
  • Remember that occasionally forgetting appointments, losing track of thoughts, or misplacing items — this is generally within the range of normal.
  • At First trimester, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
  • Prioritize your own rest and nutrition. Accept help when offered, and do not hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider.
  • While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if sudden onset of confusion, difficulty speaking, or disorientation, which could indicate a serious medical condition.

Insomnia and Sleep Difficulties in Pregnancy

Insomnia affects up to 78% of pregnant people at some point during pregnancy. It can be caused by physical discomfort, frequent urination, hormonal changes, anxiety, and difficulty finding a comfortable sleeping position. While frustrating, it is very common and there are many strategies that can help improve sleep quality.

Extreme Tiredness During Pregnancy

Extreme fatigue is one of the most common and earliest symptoms of pregnancy, affecting nearly all pregnant people at some point. It is caused by surging progesterone levels, increased blood production, metabolic changes, and the enormous energy demands of growing a baby. Fatigue is typically most intense in the first and third trimesters.

Guide

Postpartum Recovery Guide

Week-by-week postpartum recovery timeline and warning signs.

Milestone

Month-by-Month Development

Detailed monthly development guides from birth through 24 months.

Guide

When to Call the Doctor

General guide on when to call the pediatrician, visit urgent care, or go to the ER.

Frequently asked questions

Is "pregnancy brain" and forgetfulness normal?
Pregnancy brain - the feeling of forgetfulness, difficulty concentrating, or mental fog during pregnancy - is a real phenomenon supported by research. Studies show minor declines in memory and executive function during pregnancy, likely due to hormonal changes, sleep deprivation, and the cognitive load of preparing for a baby. It is temporary and not a sign of any serious condition.
When should I call the doctor about "pregnancy brain" and forgetfulness?
Sudden onset of confusion, difficulty speaking, or disorientation, which could indicate a serious medical condition Cognitive changes accompanied by severe headache, vision changes, or seizures, which could indicate preeclampsia or other emergencies
When is "pregnancy brain" and forgetfulness normal?
Occasionally forgetting appointments, losing track of thoughts, or misplacing items Difficulty multitasking or focusing that is mild and manageable Mental fog that worsens with poor sleep and improves with rest
What causes "pregnancy brain" and forgetfulness?
Pregnancy brain - the feeling of forgetfulness, difficulty concentrating, or mental fog during pregnancy - is a real phenomenon supported by research. Studies show minor declines in memory and executive function during pregnancy, likely due to hormonal changes, sleep deprivation, and the cognitive load of preparing for a baby. It is temporary and not a sign of any serious condition. Common explanations include: Occasionally forgetting appointments, losing track of thoughts, or misplacing items. Difficulty multitasking or focusing that is mild and manageable.
What should I mention to my pediatrician about "pregnancy brain" and forgetfulness?
You should mention "pregnancy brain" and forgetfulness at your next visit if: Cognitive changes are severe enough to affect work performance or safety. Memory problems are accompanied by persistent confusion or disorientation. Brain fog is accompanied by other symptoms like severe headache or vision changes.
Is "pregnancy brain" and forgetfulness normal at First trimester?
Brain fog may begin early as hormones surge and fatigue sets in. Rising progesterone levels can cause drowsiness and difficulty concentrating. Combined with nausea and emotional adjustments, cognitive function can feel affected. Using lists, phone reminders, and routines can help manage forgetfulness.
Is "pregnancy brain" and forgetfulness normal at Second trimester?
Some people find cognitive function improves in the second trimester as energy returns and nausea subsides. For others, brain fog continues. Research suggests that pregnancy-related cognitive changes are subtle and may be more related to attention shifting toward the baby than actual memory loss.
Should I go to the ER for "pregnancy brain" and forgetfulness?
Seek emergency care if sudden onset of confusion, difficulty speaking, or disorientation, which could indicate a serious medical condition, or if cognitive changes accompanied by severe headache, vision changes, or seizures, which could indicate preeclampsia or other emergencies. When in doubt, call your pediatrician's after-hours line for guidance.
Does "pregnancy brain" and forgetfulness go away on its own?
In many cases, "pregnancy brain" and forgetfulness resolves on its own, especially when occasionally forgetting appointments, losing track of thoughts, or misplacing items. By Postpartum, postpartum brain fog can continue due to sleep deprivation and the enormous demands of newborn care. Most people find their cognitive function returns to normal as sleep improves and routines are established, though this may take months.
NIHACOGMARCH OF DIMES

References

  1. [1]National Library of Medicine. Cognitive Changes in Pregnancy: Mild Decline or Positive Adaptation? Medical Journal of Australia, 2018. NIH
  2. [2]American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Pregnancy FAQs. ACOG, 2022. ACOG
  3. [3]March of Dimes. Common Discomforts of Pregnancy. March of Dimes, 2023. March of Dimes

Doctor Visit Checklist

Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss "Pregnancy Brain" and Forgetfulness.

Things to mention

  • Describe when you first noticed "pregnancy brain" and forgetfulness and how it has changed over time.
  • Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
  • Mention if cognitive changes are severe enough to affect work performance or safety.
  • Mention if memory problems are accompanied by persistent confusion or disorientation.
  • Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
  • Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.

Observations to share

  • Cognitive changes are severe enough to affect work performance or safety
  • Memory problems are accompanied by persistent confusion or disorientation
  • Brain fog is accompanied by other symptoms like severe headache or vision changes

Urgent signs to report immediately

  • Sudden onset of confusion, difficulty speaking, or disorientation, which could indicate a serious medical condition
  • Cognitive changes accompanied by severe headache, vision changes, or seizures, which could indicate preeclampsia or other emergencies

My notes

From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides

All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.

2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources5 medical advisory board members

Related Resources

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Bottom line

Most cases of "pregnancy brain" and forgetfulness are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if sudden onset of confusion, difficulty speaking, or disorientation, which could indicate a serious medical condition.

Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.

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