Attention and memory affected in third trimester
A group of researchers from Australia and New Zealand have proven the long-held stereotype that pregnant women are forgetful is true. The memory tests involved 30 women in their first trimester, another 30 in their third trimester and 30 women who were not pregnant. While no change was found in measurements of the pregnant women’s visuospatial memory—they performed worse when measuring their auditory memory. Pregnant women scored an average of 10 points lower than those who weren’t pregnant for a combined memory score. Researchers say the findings are important because clinicians need to be aware that information given to pregnant women orally may not be retained as well as written information.