Do you have those days where you can't remember anything?  I usually don't.  I have a memory like an elephant, much to my husband's chagrin.  Multi-tasking is my specialty... Except, when I'm pregnant.

For some reason, during pregnancy the most obvious details escape me.  In mid-conversation I'll forget what I was going to say.  It happened the first time around, it's happening now....what's happening to me?

Joe coined the term "Pregnesia".  I promised I'd give him credit for it. 

During this pregnancy I've left something on top of my car 3 times (purse, spare keys, cell phone) and driven away.  The OB who delivered my son called the newsroom once, I answered it, he said his name and I couldn't for the life of me remember who he was.  Here's a man I had been through the most physically excruciating time of my life with, well him and Joe, and I couldn't remember who he was.

For someone who can usually remember pretty much anything, it's very disconcerting.  I read that forgetfulness is a cue to simplify your life. Hah! Easier said than done.

This is the struggle most mothers go through.

How do you simplify?

The house isn't going to clean itself. Dinner isn't going to make itself.  My son isn't going to change his own diapers or do his own laundry or give himself a bath.  The groceries aren't going to magically appear in the refrigerator. When going part-time isn't financially feasible where can you cut? 

I look at our dog Duey and wonder if there's some way he's sucking up my time. No, poor boy.  Unfortunately he's become as devoid of attention as the kitchen cabinets (they really need cleaned).

With "pregnesia" though I can just forget about those cabinets.  I guess that's one positive.

Here's the kicker, how do I add a newborn to the mix?

 When the "pregnesia" goes away maybe it will balance out. I guess you always adjust to your life circumstances. Let's just hope I don't leave the baby on top of the car.  .... that was a joke.

ASK THE OB:  This weeks question came from Jennifer in Nixa: This is going to be my last child, should I have my tubes tied?  I heard it's easier to have it done when you're in the hospital after you've given birth, especially after a c-section, is that true?

DR. JOHN WILLIAMS WITH FERRELL DUNCAN WROTE: Tubal ligation is one of several forms of permanent contraception or birth control that is available today.  It can be performed during the same hospital stay as delivery or several weeks later.  The procedure involves ligating or closing the fallopian tubes in a variety of ways.  Specifically, to have “your tubes tied” in association with delivery takes some preplanning with your doctor and availability of operating room space in a timely manner.  The most common procedure involves making a small incision in the abdomen around the naval.  The fallopian tubes are grasped, tied, and usually cut, removing a small section.  The procedure can be performed immediately after delivery or the next day.  Hospital stay is generally not prolonged and recovery is fairly quick.  Alternatives to tubal ligation in the immediate interval after delivery include vasectomy for the male, laparoscopic tubal ligation, or Essure micro insert placement which does not require an incision or general anesthesia, and has a recovery that is ultra quick.  All methods have the potential to fail, but the frequency is low.  Anyone considering permanent birth control should consult their personal physician for additional information.

If you want to "Ask the OB" something, email me at cdaues@kspr.com or post your comment on this blog