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Placenta Brain

This condition, according to my 10 or so friends who’ve had babies in the recent past, is caused entirely by pregnancy.  Its effects include forgetfulness, lack of focus, flightiness, and general inability to function normally.  It seems to hit hardest those who were the most logical, organized, and focused before they began to host a growing little human being. 

Sadly, I am one of those people.  For days, I haven’t been able to focus clearly on anything.  I can’t multi-task anymore (one of my great joys), and my organization is definitely lacking these days.  Yesterday, I had about three tasks going at once.  I’d start something, lose focus, start something else, and then suddenly remember the first (or second) project a half-hour or hour later.  Sheesh!

Forgetfulness seems to be the big characteristic of this pregnancy issue.  So far, I’ve misplaced only a couple of things.  The first was on Sunday.  As we got out of the car at the church, I dropped my sunglasses into their place and walked about 10 steps towards the door before panicking because I didn’t have my regular glasses.  I was almost back to the car, with Eric in tow to unlock it, when I realized.  My glasses were on top of my head, holding my hair back.  I then had to explain placenta brain to my confused husband.

Of course, they don’t mention this “issue” in any pregnancy book or website that I’ve seen or read.  I only know about it from other women who’ve experienced it, too.  But still it’s quite humbling to now be so completely inept, all because I have souped up hormones raging away inside me.

Oh well…I guess I’ll straggle along somehow.  Thankfully, I’m told, the brain returns shortly after birth.  I’m glad.  I miss having focused prayer and bible study, being able to tune in to Xanga, television, or certain conversations, and generally staying on top of my own life.  And it’s only for the next 6 months, right?!?

Happy Wednesday!

15 thoughts on “”

  1. I AM TOTALLY WITH YOU – Placenta brain is here.  It is so frustrating at times but to be honest some of the random things I come out with are mostly noticed by those around me, I am quite oblivious until they start to laugh or make a comment.  This happened to me on the weekend, my mil and hubby was laughing and laughing.  Oh well, I better get used to it.

    You must be about 1 week behind me in pregnancy?

  4. it’s really hard for organized people (i doubt i used to be as on the ball as you).  I used to remember everything.  EVERYTHING.  and i used to be able to keep track of EVERYTHING.  But, I’m a big flighty, scatterbrained person now.  The problem is i still think i’m on the ball.  And only screw up after screw up after screw up after forgotten event after lost items do i really admit that I’m so not with it.

    welcome to the group.

  7. My cousin was saying there really is a scientific reason for this, that pregnancy really does cause you to lose some brain functions until birth.  She had a study she quoted.  I don’t remember what it was, but I wouldn’t doubt that there’s something legitimate behind it!

  10. What Marla said. Michelle still can’t remember a thing. Trisha’s slightly better, but, umm….. it doesn’t come fully back….

  12. ^It’s true.^ THEN comes menopause brain, and you forget your husband’s name, you put the peanut butter in the fridge, and you carry things around and around and around and around the house, not knowing why or what your original purpose for them was.

  13. Whoever told you that you get your brain back after you give birth has a few screws loose. In all actuality, you’re doomed. 

  14. This did not happen to me but a girl from the choir in church said that she would put the remote control in the fridge and the milk in a cupboard.  It would drive her husband crazy to find things in such random places.

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