Cognitive performance in pregnancy

This study investigated the cognitive functioning of 33 women prior to conception and during pregnancy. Each subject completed four psychological learning tests each week at home. Every alternative week a comprehension test was administered. Six questions relating to motivation, mood and interest were asked prior to each testing session. Following conception, questions relating to the subject's perception of her cognitive performance during pregnancy were asked. On average each subject completed 49 testing sessions and no subject missed more than four testing sessions. The results of the study do not support previous claims that pregnant women become cognitively impaired or that cognitive impairment increases as pregnancy advances. Without exception, performance on the cognitive tests improved during pregnancy.