The Reality of Pregnancy Brain
If you’ve ever caught yourself holding your phone while asking where it is, you’re not alone. Many women in Colorado Springs share the same frustration during pregnancy—feeling like their once-sharp mind has been replaced by a foggy, unreliable version.
Research shows that 82% of pregnant women report experiencing cognitive changes. These are measurable shifts in brain structure and function, not just a passing inconvenience. As Dr. Jason Cahill explains, “Pregnancy brain is not just a subjective experience. It corresponds to actual structural and functional alterations in the brain that can be observed through advanced brain imaging and neurological testing.”
The Science Behind the Fog
Groundbreaking research using MRI technology has revealed actual reductions in gray matter volume in pregnant women’s brains. These changes aren’t random; they occur in regions connected to social cognition, which may help enhance maternal bonding. But while some women notice only mild forgetfulness, others face challenges that affect work, relationships, and daily functioning.
This variation suggests that nervous system health plays a crucial role in how each woman adapts to pregnancy’s neurological demands. Hormones certainly play their part, but they also directly affect the autonomic nervous system, which controls essential functions like sleep, digestion, and emotional balance.
The surges in estrogen and progesterone don’t just change mood, they fundamentally alter how the brain processes information and stress.
How Stress Makes It Worse
Pregnancy brain often intensifies when outside stressors pile up. Chronic work stress, poor sleep patterns, past trauma, or environmental exposures can set the stage for a nervous system already running on overdrive. Add in all those frequent appointments, physical changes, and fears about complications, and the load becomes even heavier.
When the sympathetic “gas pedal” stays pressed, the parasympathetic “brake” that helps regulate calm, clarity, and digestion doesn’t function as it should. The result? More mental fog, more difficulty concentrating, and more frustration for expectant moms trying to stay on top of everyday life.
The Vagus Nerve Connection
One key player in this process is the vagus nerve, often called the “wandering nerve.” It connects the brain to nearly every vital organ and serves as the main pathway for parasympathetic function. During pregnancy, the vagus nerve helps regulate inflammation and hormone production. But when it’s under stress, signs of pregnancy brain become more noticeable.
Supporting Your Nervous System
The good news is that there are ways to support your body during this time. At our office, INSiGHT Scans help pinpoint stress and dysfunction within the nervous system, creating a personalized path toward balance. By addressing nervous system health, we’re not only working toward improved clarity and daily function but also creating an environment that supports your baby’s neurological development.
Have a Healthier, Happier Pregnancy
When your nervous system functions at its best, you can feel calmer, more energized, and better able to enjoy pregnancy while supporting your baby’s growth. Schedule your prenatal chiropractic appointment today!