Pregnancy, Postpartum, and Your Mind: Navigating Cognitive and Emotional Shifts in Motherhood

Pregnancy is a beautiful and transformative experience, filled with love, anticipation, and profound change. But after the baby arrives, the postpartum period can bring unexpected emotional and mental challenges. Feelings of overwhelm, exhaustion, and loss of control can quietly take hold, even with the deepest love for your newborn.

Balancing care for your baby while trying to nurture your own mind can feel impossible at times. These shifts—both cognitive and emotional—are part of the journey of motherhood, reminding every new mom that she’s not alone in what she feels.

Mood and Anxiety Disorders in the Perinatal Period,

Mood and anxiety disorders during the perinatal period affect 10 to 20 percent of women during or after pregnancy. Despite how common they are, these struggles are often overlooked or dismissed. Many mothers stay silent, fearing judgment for not feeling as “joyful” as expected.

But these emotions don’t reflect a lack of love—they’re part of the complex changes happening in the body and mind. When left untreated, they can impact both the mother’s well-being and her connection with her baby, making awareness and support during this time essential.

“Mom Brain” Is Real: Understanding Cognitive Changes During and After Pregnancy

“Mom brain” is more than just forgetfulness, it’s real, and it happens to so many women. Research shows that up to 80% of moms experience changes in memory and focus during or after pregnancy. It’s not all negative, while some things might feel a little foggy, other skills like emotional awareness and multitasking actually become stronger. Your brain is simply adjusting to this new chapter of life, helping you care, connect, and adapt in ways you never had to before.

McCormack, C., Callaghan, B. L., & Pawluski, J. L. (2023). It’s time to rebrand “mommy brain”. JAMA Neurology, 80(4), 335-336. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamaneurol.2022.5180

Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. (n.d.). Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. https://www.camh.ca/en/professionals/treating-conditions-and-disorders/perinatal-mood-and-anx iety-disorders