I clearly recall a time around the 6 or 7th month of pregnancy when all of a sudden, my brain stopped working. I normally have a memory like an elephant, and it served me well professionally. As an account supervisor at an advertising agency, my primary role was to manage many moving parts on an hourly basis in regards to project management. All of a sudden, it was like my brain stopped working. Not only could I not retain information, I couldn't recall the status of many projects. It was like my growing belly (and other things) was pulling strength from my mind. It's called "baby brain," and while non-pregos may just shrug it off as an imagined state in a pregnant woman, there is actually scientific evidence to prove it's not a myth.
One study conducted on the issue attributed multitasking, iron deficiency, and sleep deprivation as primary factors in what feels like pregnancy mind loss. New evidence actually points to temporary brain shrinkage of up to eight percent during pregnancy. (Don't worry, it does return to normal sizes after the postpartum period ends). A medical study out of Michigan shows women in the third trimester experience forgetfulness 15 percent more than the average person.
Unfortunately for busy expectant moms, there isn't much to be done, barring getting enough sleep and eating a healthy pregnancy diet to give your brain a boost. Of course, with pregnancy insomnia and your general discomfort as you near your due date, sleeping is no small feat. Prenatal yoga can help to ease your mind and calm your body, and hopefully relax your mind into a more sleep-friendly state.
Before bed, try doing a few rounds of a simple "cat/cow" flow while inhaling and exhaling through your nose. Come onto all fours, shoulders stacked over the wrists, hips and knees aligned. Inhaling, arch your back up high to the ceiling like a cat, pressing thru the heels of the hands to stretch the back deeper. Continue your inhaling and exhaling rhythm as you work the pose. After taking a round of 5- 10 breaths, on your next exhale, slowly pull the belly toward the floor with control, letting the head come back to neutral. Close your eyes, to relax your stress away. Repeat the flow 7 to 10 times.
Studies have shown that women accumulate up to 700 hours of “sleep debt” in the first year after having a baby. Using yoga to relax your body and mind can help you fall into sleep faster, and aid your mind and spirit.
One study conducted on the issue attributed multitasking, iron deficiency, and sleep deprivation as primary factors in what feels like pregnancy mind loss. New evidence actually points to temporary brain shrinkage of up to eight percent during pregnancy. (Don't worry, it does return to normal sizes after the postpartum period ends). A medical study out of Michigan shows women in the third trimester experience forgetfulness 15 percent more than the average person.
Unfortunately for busy expectant moms, there isn't much to be done, barring getting enough sleep and eating a healthy pregnancy diet to give your brain a boost. Of course, with pregnancy insomnia and your general discomfort as you near your due date, sleeping is no small feat. Prenatal yoga can help to ease your mind and calm your body, and hopefully relax your mind into a more sleep-friendly state.
Before bed, try doing a few rounds of a simple "cat/cow" flow while inhaling and exhaling through your nose. Come onto all fours, shoulders stacked over the wrists, hips and knees aligned. Inhaling, arch your back up high to the ceiling like a cat, pressing thru the heels of the hands to stretch the back deeper. Continue your inhaling and exhaling rhythm as you work the pose. After taking a round of 5- 10 breaths, on your next exhale, slowly pull the belly toward the floor with control, letting the head come back to neutral. Close your eyes, to relax your stress away. Repeat the flow 7 to 10 times.
Studies have shown that women accumulate up to 700 hours of “sleep debt” in the first year after having a baby. Using yoga to relax your body and mind can help you fall into sleep faster, and aid your mind and spirit.
