Ever found yourself holding your phone while frantically searching for… your phone?
Or maybe mid-sentence you completely blank on the word you were just about to say?
If you’re pregnant—or have been before—you know exactly what we’re talking about. That fuzzy, forgetful, slightly “off” feeling is so common that it’s earned a nickname: pregnancy brain (or “momnesia”).
And here’s the truth: it’s real.
Not imagined. Not “just hormones.” And certainly not a flaw in who you are as a mom.
In fact, there’s a bigger reason behind it—a reason that shows just how smart and intentional your body really is while growing your baby.
What Is Pregnancy Brain?
Pregnancy brain is a legitimate, measurable shift in brain structure, function, and performance that happens during pregnancy (and sometimes into postpartum).
You might notice:
- Forgetting appointments, names, or simple daily tasks
- Trouble concentrating or staying on task
- Feeling like words are “on the tip of your tongue” but not coming out
- Thinking through a mental fog
- Struggling with multitasking
- Difficulty retaining new information
Science backs this up. Brain imaging studies show changes in gray matter volume, neural connectivity, and how different brain regions “talk” to each other—especially in areas tied to bonding and caregiving.
Rather than seeing these changes as a problem, we can see them for what they truly are: your nervous system reorganizing itself to prepare you for motherhood.
Why Your Nervous System Holds the Key
While hormones play a role, pregnancy brain is ultimately about how your nervous system adapts to the incredible demands of pregnancy.
Your Autonomic Nervous System—the master control system for everything from memory to digestion—has two main parts:
- Gas pedal (Sympathetic): fight-or-flight
- Brake pedal (Parasympathetic): rest, digest, and regulate
During pregnancy, big hormonal shifts, physical stress, and emotional changes can tip this system out of balance. When the “gas pedal” gets stuck on, your brain prioritizes immediate needs over deep focus, memory, and learning.
Add in modern stressors—poor sleep, busy schedules, emotional stress, and nutritional demands—and your nervous system may be running in overdrive. That’s when pregnancy brain can feel extra intense.
Why Some Moms Have It Worse Than Others
We call it The Perfect Storm—a mix of stressors that overwhelm the nervous system before pregnancy even begins:
- Chronic stress or high-pressure lifestyle
- Old injuries or physical trauma
- Poor sleep patterns
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Emotional trauma or anxiety history
- Environmental toxins
Once pregnancy starts, these stressors pile on top of the natural neurological changes, making memory fog, focus struggles, and emotional ups and downs feel much more intense.
Supporting Your Brain (and Baby!) During Pregnancy
Here’s the encouraging news: pregnancy brain isn’t something you have to simply endure.
Your body is wise—it’s reorganizing your brain for motherhood—and with the right support, you can help that process work for you, not against you.
At Foundations Chiropractic, we start with gentle, non-invasive INSiGHT Scans to measure how well your nervous system is adapting. If we find stress or imbalance, we use Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care to:
- Restore communication between brain and body
- Balance your “gas” and “brake” systems
- Stimulate your vagus nerve for calm, focus, and regulation
We also talk about lifestyle steps that make a big difference:
- Deep breathing and stress-relief strategies
- Sleep routines that help your brain recover
- Brain-healthy nutrition (omega-3s, magnesium, B vitamins)
- Gentle movement to support blood flow and nervous system health
When your nervous system is functioning at its best, you’re not just clearer and calmer—you’re also creating the most optimal environment for your baby’s neurological development.
The Takeaway
Pregnancy brain is real. It’s purposeful. And with the right care, it doesn’t have to feel overwhelming.
Your brain isn’t failing—it’s adapting for the incredible role of motherhood.
Our job is to make sure it adapts in the healthiest way possible, so you can enjoy pregnancy with more clarity, focus, and energy—while giving your baby the best start in life.
If you’re ready to support your brain and nervous system during pregnancy, we’d love to start with a set of INSiGHT Scans and a personalized care plan.
Because when your nervous system is strong, both you and your baby thrive. 💙
