Scientifically proven studies linking memory and pregnancy are limited, and their results have been irregular. Probably because they've all been conducted by men! However, a recent study by two Australian researchers has found that pregnant women do experience a slight loss of memory -- and in many cases, the forgetfulness continues after birth. 

It's understandable that women's emotional levels vary greatly during pregnancy. Hormonal surges, combined with other factors such as the age old addage that pregnant women must 'eat for two' and the fact that they are probably getting much less sleep than they need because they're up three times a night peeing or being kicked in the pelvis by their unborn baby, are contributory. A great deal of the mother's time is taken up with thoughts of the baby, so a little forgetfulness is expected.

Increased levels of hormones such as progesterone are thought to be the main contributor to 'pregnancy brain'. Progesterone can often cause headaches, mood swings and fatigue. The increase of progesterone is often greatest in the first trimester and may be the reason for increased forgetfulness.

What are the effects of 'Pregnancy/Nappy Brain'?

They are varied, but many. Pregnant women have claimed to experience frustration while trying to remember the most simple everyday tasks - like where they put their door keys. Some working women who are pregnant have become quite anxious because pregnancy brain has rendered them unable to work effectively (I'd like to know what a mans excuse is when they reach this state!). But please don't worry - you're obviously not alone in what you are experiencing.

During the first few weeks after having my son, I am not entirely sure on reflection that I should have been left in charge of myself, let alone a defenceless baby and four year old child too! I did some really odd and quite stupid things; like I once attempted to boil a carton of milk and tried really hard to make the cordless kettle fit in the fridge door. When driving I would forget where I was heading in the first place, then I would forget that I had forgotten where I was going and end up back at home - somehow - and wondered how the hell I got back there. I was once having a conversation with my partner and I stopped mid sentence because I couldn't remember the word I wanted to use. Once that happened I forgot what I was talking about altogether. Three hours later, I gleefully announced that the word had come back to me; "I know, I know, I know what it was - AT!!!"

Two years since giving birth and I still do not have the range of vocabulary that I once did. This is easily hidden with a regular use of the thesaurus in Word (there's a hint for you ladies) and knowing key 'wow' words as my daughter calls them, which bamboozle the person I am having a conversation with just long enough to steer me out of dangerous waters before they cotton on to the fact that I transplanted a great deal of my brain power into my offspring when they emerged from my uterus. I will never be the same as I once was - but I'm now a mother so actually, it's not all bad.

Do you ever recover from a 'Pregnancy/Nappy Brain'?

Oh dear, see the above paragraph. Actually it's not that bad. The thing is, when you become a Mum your energy that used to be 100% channelled on you, your thoughts and feelings is reallocated. About 99% of this energy is now spent on your kids, your partner, your work, your home, your chores (and in a frequently random order too). You get around 1%, and only then if you're lucky enough to get the time to take it!

However there are a few key steps that may help women decrease the risk of pregnancy brain.

• Sleep is a key factor in keeping the mind mentally healthy. A pregnant woman should try to get the same amount of sleep as she did before the pregnancy.
• Eating a well-balanced diet is essential to keep both mother and baby healthy.
• Doctors recommend that pregnant women take prenatal vitamins in order to ensure the intake of vital vitamins and minerals.
• Exercise is also essential to keep the circulation flowing, decrease tiredness and make the mother feel mentally healthier. Another tip is to drink plenty of fluids. When pregnant women become dehydrated, their electrolytes may be disrupted, causing decreased memory and confusion.

If you are a pregnant woman or mother reading this then don't despair; it's something most of us go through, and all of us recover from - eventually!