"We're in week 26 of the pregnancy now, and our baby is now approximately 23 cm long and is employing Vanessa’s body resources full time. Her bump is getting bigger by the hour but it seems to the detriment of other major organs, namely her brain.
This week, Vanessa’s brain has delivered a number of laugh out loud moments and also a few worrying ones too. Here are just a few examples:
• Not understanding the complex ‘language’ of the latest Harry Potter film (despite seeing the previous three)
• Compiling a weekly shopping list that contained only cat food, toilet roll, ice cream and chocolate Hobnobs
• Asking if glass can go in the dishwasher
• Driving home in the dark with no lights on (yikes!)
Now after many years of going to gigs, festivals and pubs I’m sure my memory isn’t exactly firing on all cylinders – even an episode of Family Fortunes can be a bit taxing on a bad day, but the question is - what is the correct reaction to her pregnancy brain fog? Being over supportive and worrying about it seems sort of patronising; bursting out in laughter will inevitably lead to an early grave (that would be mine) and accusing her of faking it to get away with stuff is a little paranoid.
There is a lot of debate on the topic but experts believe hormone levels are to blame. Whatever the cause, forgetfulness is likely to worsen as a pregnancy progresses. Along with the hormonal changes, she’ll also be preoccupied with a variety of things (the birth, work, chocolate Hobnobs). Sleep is often also erratic during pregnancy and so she may become even more forgetful if she’s not had a good night’s sleep.
‘Ness and I have a good laugh about the silly things but have had to talk about the serious side of it; particularly the driving. All I can do is ask her to be a little bit more careful.
Word to the wise though, don’t make jokes with your partner about her brain shrinking; the retort: “Well now we’re even then” is inevitable."
Next week: The Emotional Rollercoaster!
Dads Space contributor Simon Payne loves going to rock gigs, adding to his collection of Aztec tattoos, good wine, football and his PlayStation. He's also the co-founder of Mind Adrenaline, a team building and events company that specialises in organising creative days out for organisations around the globe.
He readily admits he is a bit of a late starter.