Pregnancy brain is real. It steals your concentration. All I want to do is relax. So writing is a challenge these days. It’s more of a challenge than writing while pregnant. Long time readers of my blog know I was pretty good at finding time to concentrate then. Now though this whole other person is inside me. It’s a person I’ve not seen, but I feel kick me.
And yes the activity inside is almost this indescribable moment. I always knew where my baby was. I’ve felt that since the beginning, but now the random movements are outwardly felt. The baby is coming.
This weekend I showed up an hour early to meeting my critique partners with the intention of writing a chapter. I ended up looking up baby stuff.
And then there is the forgetting. I forget so much these days.
I never used to forget anything.
How I adjust my writing life once the baby arrives is a mystery. Most of my life these days is a ‘guess we’ll see.’ It’s hard to make plans.
The only writing plan I have for 2017 is the FRW writing cruise. Will l honestly be able to pack up and go on a cruise and leave the baby? I don’t know. Perhaps I’ll be happy to go. Perhaps I’ll cry.
I see physically I am turning into my mother. Will I completely transform into my mom? Is that my future? I want my baby to have the best, and I get to enjoy being a mom. So with luck things will settle down.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does pregnancy brain affect your ability to write?
Pregnancy brain can significantly disrupt a writer’s concentration and focus. Common experiences include difficulty sitting down to write, forgetting things you never used to forget, and getting distracted by baby-related tasks instead of working. Even setting aside dedicated writing time — like arriving an hour early to a writing group — doesn’t guarantee productivity when mental fog takes over.
What is pregnancy brain and is it real?
Pregnancy brain is a very real experience where expectant mothers notice memory loss, reduced concentration, and difficulty focusing on tasks they normally handle well. Pregnant writers often report forgetting things they never used to forget and struggling to stay on task. The cognitive and emotional demands of pregnancy make it hard to maintain routines, including creative work like writing.
Should I keep my writing commitments and travel plans after having a baby or cancel them?
Deciding whether to keep writing commitments or travel plans after a baby arrives is deeply personal and hard to predict in advance. Many expectant writers find it difficult to make firm plans, adopting a ‘guess we’ll see’ approach. You may feel relieved to take a solo trip for creative work, or you may find leaving your newborn emotionally difficult — both responses are completely valid.
