What is pregnancy brain and does it really happen?

OBGYN Suzanne Gilberg-Lenz, MD, explains pregnancy brain is, whether or not it is real, and what its possible causes and treatments are
Pregnancy Brain: What Is It and Does It Really Exist
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What is pregnancy brain and does it really happen?

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Pregnancy brain is otherwise known as momnesia. I think it's real. I've had it. Science shows, and there is data on this, that the brain capacity doesn't appear to change. It's very hard to account for function, and there are some smaller studies showing some memory deficit during pregnancy. It seems to be temporary. It seems to be related to hormonal changes or neurotransmitter changes. It could also be related to lack of sleep, stress, to the idea that your brain is put in all different directions. Your priorities need to change. I think momnesia is real. I think it's fantastic because it's telling you to slow down and pull back. It's an opportunity to re-prioritize. If you are overwhelmed and you are doing too many things, you can't remember everything that you are supposed to do. Maybe that's your body and your brain to take it down a couple of notches and remember to take care of yourself during the pregnancy.

OBGYN Suzanne Gilberg-Lenz, MD, explains pregnancy brain is, whether or not it is real, and what its possible causes and treatments are

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Suzanne Gilberg-Lenz, MD

Obstetrician & Gynecologist

Dr. Suzanne Gilberg-Lenz completed her undergraduate education at Wesleyan University and post-baccalaureate pre-medical studies at Mills College. She earned her medical degree in 1996 from the University of Southern California School of Medicine, completed her residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Cedars Sinai Medical Center and has been in private practice of obstetrics and gynecology in Los Angeles, CA since 2000. After many years of a personal yoga and meditation practice, she completed her Clinical Ayurvedic Specialist degree at California College of Ayurveda in 2010 and was board certified in Integrative and Holistic medicine in 2008.

Suzanne is involved in women’s empowerment and public education, and appears frequently as an expert in women’s and integrative health on TV, online and in print. She is co-founder of Cedars Sinai Medical Center's Green Committee and is deeply committed to the promotion of healing that involves individuals, families, communities and the planet.  She lives in Los Angeles with her husband and two children in a "green" renovated home with a sustainable native plants garden and organic “urban mini-farm”.

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Transcription: 
Pregnancy brain is otherwise known as momnesia. I think it's real. I've had it. Science shows, and there is data on this, that the brain capacity doesn't appear to change. It's very hard to account for function, and there are some smaller studies showing some memory deficit during pregnancy. It seems to be temporary. It seems to be related to hormonal changes or neurotransmitter changes. It could also be related to lack of sleep, stress, to the idea that your brain is put in all different directions. Your priorities need to change. I think momnesia is real. I think it's fantastic because it's telling you to slow down and pull back. It's an opportunity to re-prioritize. If you are overwhelmed and you are doing too many things, you can't remember everything that you are supposed to do. Maybe that's your body and your brain to take it down a couple of notches and remember to take care of yourself during the pregnancy.