Post pregnancy memory loss is unfortunately quite common. Many women experience it at some point after pregnancy, though in some cases it can appear during the later stages of pregnancy. There are various reasons for this memory loss, but luckily there are also ways to fight it and return to normal life. Some of the basic reasons for this memory loss include lack of sleep, improper diet, birth, and lactation.
Reasons For Post Pregnancy Memory Loss
One of the most common reasons for post-pregnancy memory loss is a lack of sleep. This can be caused by a number of things, such as reduced productivity and efficiency, which can lead to restlessness among new moms. This can then affect the brain’s memory power, causing memory loss. In order to avoid this problem, it is recommended to take small naps during the day.
Being a new mom is notoriously stress-inducing. So much so, in fact, that it can have a negative impact on your memory. To keep stress at bay (and your brain working at its full capacity), try to relax with activities like watching TV, exercising, or doing yoga. Walking is considered one of the best stress-busters out there, in addition to meditation.
Many people don’t realize that what you eat during pregnancy can have a lasting effect on your memory, even years after giving birth. Zinc, Vitamin B12, Iron, and folic acid deficiencies are all major contributors to memory loss post-pregnancy. Be sure to load up on spinach, legumes, and nuts while pregnant to give your baby a fighting chance against memory problems down the road.
The last factor that can lead to post pregnancy memory loss in mothers is the fluctuation of hormonal levels during pregnancy, childbirth, and lactation. The two most important hormones here are Cortisol, which is a stress hormone that directly affects the hippocampi (two regions critical for memory function), and Oxytocin, which is a labor-inducing and milk-injecting hormone. These hormones are released during labor and delivery, so the longer the labor, the greater the chance of hormone damage to the hippocampi.
Ways To Improve Memory – Both Now And Post-Pregnancy
There are several techniques that have shown considerable improvement in memory for overcoming short-term post pregnancy memory loss. Some of them are listed below:
– Actively recall information while learning.
– Try to use mnemonic devices.
– Organize and group information.
– Repeat information aloud.
– Write things down.
Periodically, review learned information.
Mnemonics
If you want to improve your mental well-being, you should use the above-mentioned techniques. However, it’s important to be consistent with your efforts. With a little practice and hard work, you’ll find that you have a sharper mind than you did even before you were pregnant.
