14 Funny Things Pregnant Women Forget—And Why “Mom Brain” Is Totally Real

Ever wandered into a room and immediately forgotten why? Many pregnant women know this all too well, thanks to the phenomenon dubbed “mom brain.” Science backs it up: hormonal surges and disrupted sleep can impact memory and focus, making forgetfulness a daily adventure. From where you parked the car to what you were just saying, the moments are both relatable and hilarious. Curious how pregnancy affects your brain?

1. Where They Put Their Keys

Misplacing keys becomes almost a daily ritual for many pregnant women. Thanks to fluctuating progesterone and estrogen levels, memory retrieval can turn simple tasks into a scavenger hunt. Research shows these hormones can impact spatial memory—so keys end up in the fridge, purse, or anywhere but where they belong. Curious about the science? 

2. Why They Walked Into a Room

Pregnant women often find themselves entering a room only to stand there, puzzled, forgetting their purpose. This quirky lapse is known as the “doorway effect”—simply walking through a door can interrupt short-term memory. Scientists at the University of Notre Dame found that crossing a threshold can actually cause us to forget our intentions.

3. Important Appointments

It’s ironic—pregnant women have more appointments than ever, yet those crucial dates can vanish from memory in an instant. Disrupted sleep and a mind juggling baby prep and daily life are major culprits. Sleep changes during pregnancy can make remembering even important doctor’s visits a challenge, leading to some frantic calendar checks and rescheduling.

4. Names of Acquaintances (or Even Close Friends)

Suddenly blanking on someone’s name, even if you see them every day? You’re not alone. Pregnancy can temporarily hamper verbal recall, making names elusive at the most awkward moments. Changes in verbal memory are common during pregnancy, so don’t worry if you find yourself stumbling for names mid-conversation.

5. Where They Parked the Car

Pregnant women often find themselves wandering the parking lot, keys in hand, searching for their car. This classic moment of forgetfulness is fueled by divided attention and pregnancy fatigue. Such lapses are totally normal and can be chalked up to the mental overload and tiredness that come with expecting a baby.

6. Half-Finished Chores

It’s not unusual for pregnant women to find laundry still in the washer or dishes left half done. These incomplete chores are usually the result of constant mental multitasking and frequent focus shifts. Pregnancy can make it challenging to stay on task, leading to a trail of half-completed household projects.

7. What They Were Just Saying

Pregnant women often stop mid-sentence, suddenly forgetting what they were talking about. These lost trains of thought are a classic sign of cognitive changes in pregnancy, including slower word retrieval. Such moments are common and perfectly normal, making conversations a bit more adventurous (and sometimes hilarious) during pregnancy.

8. Phone Numbers and PINs

Numbers once memorized—like phone numbers and PINs—can suddenly slip away during pregnancy. These short-term memory hiccups are common, leaving many moms-to-be double-checking their phones or notes. A study in BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth highlights that temporary lapses in recalling familiar numbers are a normal part of the pregnancy experience.

9. Cooking Steps or Recipes

It’s not uncommon for pregnant women to forget an ingredient or miss a crucial step while cooking, leading to some interesting meal outcomes. These kitchen mishaps are often due to hormonal changes affecting working memory. Such forgetfulness in the kitchen is a typical—and sometimes tasty—side effect of expecting.

10. Birthdays and Special Dates

Even the most sentimental dates—like birthdays and anniversaries—can slip the mind during pregnancy. The combination of increased cognitive load and hormonal fluctuations can disrupt episodic memory. Forgetting special occasions is a common phenomenon for expecting moms, so don’t be surprised if reminders become even more essential during this time.

11. Why They Opened the Fridge

Pregnant women often find themselves staring into the fridge, completely forgetting what they meant to grab. This classic moment is usually caused by a reduced attention span, which is common during pregnancy. Studies exploring pregnancy and cognitive function, confirm that such absentmindedness is a normal part of the experience for many expecting moms.

12. Words for Everyday Objects

Searching for the word “remote” or “microwave” and coming up blank happens more often during pregnancy. This amusing lapse is associated with subtle changes in brain structure that occur while expecting. The BBC explains that these changes can affect language and recall, making it perfectly normal to forget the names of even the most familiar objects.

13. Responding to Texts or Emails

Starting a reply to a text or email and then forgetting to hit send is a classic pregnancy brain moment. Distractions and working memory glitches are often to blame, leaving friends and colleagues waiting for a response. These lapses in digital communication are a common—and relatable—side effect of pregnancy.

14. What They Just Read or Watched

It’s common for pregnant women to finish a TV episode or article and then immediately forget key details or the entire plot. These memory and attention lapses are typical during pregnancy. Such forgetfulness is linked to the natural attention and memory changes that occur while expecting.

Conclusion

“Mom brain” is more than just a myth—science confirms it’s a real part of pregnancy, caused by hormonal shifts, sleep changes, and cognitive overload. These funny, relatable lapses are perfectly normal and even add a little humor to the journey. Experts recommend using lists, alarms, and reminders to ease the forgetfulness. For more tips, check out this guide from health professionals. Compassion and understanding make all the difference for moms-to-be.

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