When I was pregnant, I often thought I was losing my mind, and I worried about it. I couldn’t locate important, everyday objects, my attention span was shorter, and my disposition was, at times, less than pleasant.

If this sounds like you, take heart.  A new study gives credence to your memory glitches and mood swings.

Researchers at Bradford Institute for Health Research in the United Kingdom found that beginning in the second trimester, women have trouble with spatial recognition memory. In other words, you are less likely to recall where you put your keys, or where you set down those important documents you need to review.  Your “mommynesia” may even persist for a few months after delivery day, the study suggests.

Twenty-three pregnant women and 24 women who were not pregnant took computerized tests to determine their ability to remember patterns and locations, and to see how well they could learn certain rules.  Women who were expecting babies did worse than those who were not pregnant.  Pregnant women also expressed higher levels of depression and anxiety.

Nobody knows why your mind goes to mush (or feels like it is) as you get closer to delivery. Hormone fluctuations and fatigue may play a role.

Having the baby seemed to improve the mood in the group of previously-pregnant women, say the researchers.  Sure, until the effects of chronic sleep deprivation set in!

Read more about so-called pregnancy brain here.