Is Mommy Brain a Real Thing? Uncovering the Science Behind Pregnancy Brain Fog

Is Mommy Brain a Real Thing? Uncovering the Truth Behind It

What is Mommy Brain?

Well, you’ve probably heard someone say, “Ugh, sorry, I’ve got mommy brain!” when they forget something small. But is it really a thing, or is it just an excuse for not being able to remember where you put your car keys? Honestly, when I first became a mom, I thought it was just another term for being overly tired or disorganized. I mean, how could your brain actually change, right? But after some time (and a few embarrassing moments of forgetting my own phone number), I started to wonder if maybe there was more to it.

Is it Just Exhaustion or Something Else?

The first thing I’ll say is, yes, exhaustion plays a massive part in what we call "mommy brain." You’re sleep-deprived, overwhelmed, and juggling a million things at once. But can exhaustion alone account for the forgetfulness, the brain fog, and the constant feeling of mental clutter? Well, researchers say there might be more to it.

The Science Behind Mommy Brain

Okay, let’s dive into the science bit—don’t worry, I’ll keep it simple! So, it turns out that there is some evidence that pregnancy and early motherhood can actually affect your brain. Studies have shown that hormonal changes during pregnancy, like the surge in progesterone and oxytocin, can impact your memory and cognitive function. This explains why you might walk into a room and forget what you were doing in the first place.

How Hormones Impact Your Brain

Honestly, I’ve always heard that hormones mess with your body, but I had no idea they could mess with your mind in such a big way. During pregnancy, your brain undergoes some remodeling, which helps you bond with your baby. But this can also lead to a decrease in certain cognitive functions, especially memory and concentration. It’s like your brain is doing double duty—trying to adjust to motherhood while keeping you connected to your little one.

It’s wild, right? I remember being pregnant with my first and completely blanking on the names of people I’d known for years. I’d just look at them, smile awkwardly, and try to remember if they had been to my wedding.

Does Mommy Brain Ever Go Away?

This is where it gets interesting. You’re probably wondering: "Okay, but does it ever get better?" Well, from what I’ve read (and from personal experience), the brain fog tends to clear up as time passes, especially once your baby starts to sleep more consistently. But don’t get too comfortable—having kids can mean you’re always in a state of mental multitasking. It’s like, just when you think you’re getting your memory back, the next child is born, and you’re back to square one.

Does Mommy Brain Ever Fully Disappear?

I asked my friend Sarah the other day if she still experienced it after her kids got older. She laughed and said, "I think I just learned to live with it." Honestly, I think that’s the best way to put it. Sure, it fades as the years go by, but that constant juggling of tasks, combined with the everyday stress of parenting, means you’re always somewhat in the “mommy brain” zone.

Coping with Mommy Brain

Okay, now, let’s get real. We all need coping strategies, right? Whether it’s forgetting your keys or zoning out in the middle of a conversation, mommy brain can be frustrating. But trust me, it’s manageable! Here are a few tips that helped me (and could help you too):

Organize, Organize, Organize

I know it sounds a bit over the top, but staying organized really does help. I started using a planner religiously to keep track of appointments, grocery lists, and tasks. It’s been a lifesaver. And when I’m feeling overwhelmed, I’ll make a quick to-do list just to calm my mind.

Take Care of Your Body (and Your Mind)

Sleep isn’t just important for your body—it’s critical for your brain too. I know, I know, sleep is a rare commodity when you have little ones. But if you can, try to sneak in some extra rest (even if it's just 20 minutes). It’ll help more than you think.

Conclusion: Mommy Brain is Real, But It's Not Forever

So, is mommy brain a real thing? Absolutely, yes! But here’s the thing: It’s not permanent. With time, some good self-care, and maybe a little help from a planner or your partner, you can manage it. It’s all part of the wild ride of motherhood—your brain, like everything else, is changing and adapting. And hey, if you forget where you put your keys, don’t sweat it too much. You’re doing an amazing job.

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.