Baby Brain During Pregnancy: The Truth About What’s Really Going On

Let’s start here: you are not losing your mind. You’ve just grown, birthed—or are in the process of growing—a whole new human. That’s kind of a big deal. So, if you put your keys in the fridge and your phone in the washing machine (true stories from real mums), you’re in good company.

So, what actually is baby brain during pregnancy?

“Baby brain” isn’t just a funny excuse for forgetting things—it’s real, and it’s backed by science. Research shows that during pregnancy, your brain physically changes to help you bond with your baby and tune in to their needs. Your clever brain basically says, “Okay, we’ll forget what day of the week it is, but we’ll get really good at recognising our baby’s cry from across a crowded room.”

Your memory might feel fuzzy, but your emotional awareness is sharper than ever. This is your brain preparing you to be the ultimate nurturer. It’s clever. It’s primal. It’s… mildly inconvenient when you can’t remember if you’ve already added the milk to your tea.

Why baby brain happens

Hormones—especially progesterone, oestrogen, and oxytocin—are working overtime to help your body and brain adapt. These powerful chemicals create new neural pathways to make you more responsive, empathetic, and alert to your baby. But while your brain is focused on survival, nurturing, and love, it’s a bit less focused on where you parked the car.

Other body changes that come with pregnancy and beyond

Because baby brain isn’t the only wild ride your body takes you on…

• Hormones on a mission
  During pregnancy and after birth, hormones rise and fall like a rollercoaster. One minute you’re crying because your baby kicked, the next you’re crying because you dropped your toast butter-side down. It’s all part of the hormonal reshuffle.
• The core (and the floor)
  Your abdominal muscles stretch to make space for your baby (hello, diastasis recti) and your pelvic floor gets quite the workout. After birth, things might feel a little different—sneezing or laughing could become a cautious activity for a while. Rebuilding strength takes time, and that’s completely normal.
• The hair situation
  Pregnancy often gives you thick, shiny hair—but after birth, many mums notice extra shedding. Don’t panic, it’s temporary! Your hair cycles back to normal once hormones settle. (In the meantime, consider a new hat collection.)
• Energy levels: officially stolen
  Between pregnancy, sleepless nights, and baby care, your body is running a marathon every day. Rest whenever you can. Naps, snacks, and gentle movement count as recovery—they’re not indulgent, they’re essential.

You’re not broken—you’re being rebuilt

Whether it’s baby brain during pregnancy or the emotional rollercoaster after birth, your body and mind are doing extraordinary work. You’re literally being rewired for love, protection, and connection.

So if you feel foggy, emotional, or like your body’s a stranger, know this: you’re not losing yourself—you’re evolving. Be kind to your brain. Thank your body. And when in doubt, write things down… or ask Alexa where your keys are.

❤️ Adventure Babies – helping you and your baby explore, connect, and rediscover the wonder (and humour) in this beautifully messy chapter.