New findings from a study at BYU suggest that the phenomenon known as “pregnancy brain”—the lapses in memory or focus that many expectant mothers report—may be nothing more than a myth. Meanwhile, pregnant women around the globe are rolling their eyes and saying, “We’re not the ones spreading this notion.”
The researchers analyzed a cohort of women in their third trimesters and again three to six months after giving birth, comparing them with a group of women who have never been pregnant. Results showed that when it came to memory, cognition, organization, and spatial skills, the pregnant and postpartum participants performed just as well as those without any pregnancy experience. The only area where differences emerged was in self-assessment, with expectant and new mothers consistently rating their cognitive abilities lower than their non-pregnant counterparts. “I was taken aback by how strongly they felt they were underperforming,” said lead researcher, Alex Morgan. “Despite clear evidence to the contrary, many women felt they were struggling.”
The team speculates that this widespread belief might be rooted in societal norms or simply that some women experience a dip in their overall well-being during pregnancy. Morgan believes that studies like this could significantly enhance the quality of life for expectant mothers, encouraging them to recognize that their cognitive functions remain intact: “This realization might boost their confidence and improve their day-to-day experience.”
Speaking of confidence, perhaps instead of solely addressing pregnant women with these findings, we should turn our attention to employers who view pregnant staff as liabilities. Maybe then, women will truly begin to “believe in themselves” when their contributions are valued, and when the public stops treating them like they’re in a petting zoo. Seriously, it’s not cute when strangers assume they need unsolicited advice about everything from nutrition to birthing methods!
In a nutshell, the BYU article states: “Pregnant women often attribute forgetfulness to their growing babies, but research indicates that such beliefs may be unfounded.” It would be refreshing to see a narrative that emphasizes the capabilities of pregnant women rather than dismissing them as confused. Just my two cents—clear thinking, even from a brain that’s been pregnant!
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In summary, the idea that pregnancy leads to cognitive decline is being challenged by recent studies, which show that pregnant and postpartum women perform just as well as their non-pregnant peers in various cognitive tasks. The real issue may lie in societal perceptions rather than actual cognitive ability, suggesting a need for greater support and validation for pregnant women.