09/10/2025
Women are typically given 6 weeks to recover from pregnancy, but new research has revealed that the brain changes that occur during pregnancy can actually take 2-6 years to recover from, affecting memory, hormones and the woman’s stress response.
Forgetfulness, mental fogginess and difficulty concentrating are common complaints, sometimes referred to as “mom brain”. The massive changes in hormones like estrogen and progesterone during and after pregnancy affect brain chemistry. Progesterone, in particular, can cause drowsiness and contribute to mental fog. Also, the chronic exhaustion that comes with caring for a newborn significantly impacts memory and focus. Additionally, a mother’s priorities shift completely to her new baby, and the mental load of new responsibilities, anxiety, and stress can interfere with concentration and memory.
After childbirth, hormone levels like progesterone and estrogen, which were extremely elevated during pregnancy, drop dramatically and the hormone levels continue to fluctuate for months or even years while the body adjusts. These hormonal shifts, along with other life changes, can contribute to mood swings, anxiety and depression.
Furthermore, the body’s stress response undergoes significant changes during and after pregnancy. Pregnancy alters the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which regulates the body’s response to stress. Elevated levels of the stress hormone cortisol have been linked to changes in the amygdala, a brain region involved in social and emotional development. While these changes are part of a normal adaptation to motherhood, excessive stress can increase the risk of anxiety and depression for the mother and may even affect the child’s neurodevelopment.
It is VITAL to give yourself grace and understand that these changes are beyond your control. I will put a few tips for coping with these changes in the comments section. Take good care of yourselves sweet friends and always ask for help when you need it.
PMID: 21928875
