What is with this myth of pregnancy amnesia?

Why do I always hear women say that once the pregnancy and birth is over, the pain fades from your mind? My daughter is one year old and I remember the pain of being pregnant and of labor vividly. I had a traumatic, nightmarish birth experience and a complicated pregnancy so maybe that's why? It's crystal clear in my mind. I keep wondering if I should have another baby and then I flash back to the pain, the excruciating pain, and I think no.What is with this myth of pregnancy amnesia?
It could be the drugs used lol! I have a very foggy memory of my first labor (due to Nubaine), and a fairly uncomplicated pregnancy. So our decision to have another wasn't really a question of if, but when. However, I have been having a very complicated pregnancy this time around, and whether or not labor goes smoothly, we both have agreed- no more!



Maybe it's just the idea of having another baby is stronger than the fear of the labor involved? I have to admit, as each year goes by, you memory fades. Perhaps it will just take you a while longer before feeling comfortable thinking about another baby. Mine are going to be a little over 2 1/2 years apart.
One thing that really bugs me is when someone says 'As soon as you hold the baby in your arms you forget all the pain.'

It is nonsense, you don't forget,it might not be uppermost in your mind when you hold your baby for the first time but it's not forgotten.

I had a difficult delivery with my first baby who is now 18 years old and ended up with an epidural,episiotomy and forceps and I remember being anxious to avoid an epidural when I was expecting my second and I didn't need it.

Each labour is different maybe you can talk your concerns through with a midwife or a friend or relative who may have also had a difficult time.What is with this myth of pregnancy amnesia?
My beautiful baby boy is only 10 days old and I can honestly say I don't remember much about the birth, or the pain. So much of the experience is a blur. I don't remember the cutting of the cord - even though it happened right on top of me. I don't remember much of what people say happened.Much of my memory of the whole process is very spotty. Yes, I remember it hurting, but I don't think it was that bad. I didn't have a medicated birth either, so it wasn't the medication messing with my memory.

I don't know what would cause some women to forget and others to vividly remember.

If the pain was that bad for you, there are always pain management options available. Even though it was a traumatic experience, the outcome is so worth it when you look into the eyes of your baby.



Good luck to you.
I think it's not so much that you -forget- the pain but that it becomes less of an issue in your mind. There are hormones and endorphins that flood your body after birth and dull the pain (though they may not be effective if you've had a particularly traumatic birth experience). The hormones that continue over the following weeks that bond you to your baby can also push that pain and discomfort further from your mind - it makes it all seem worth it, even if it was a miserable experience. I had a horribly uncomfortable pregnancy and an excruciatingly painful (but uncomplicated) natural home birth and while I've never felt pain like that before and I remember it clearly, my son is sleeping peacefully in my lap right now, and I'd do it all again in a heartbeat.What is with this myth of pregnancy amnesia?
The first thing that came out of my mouth once I had my son was "I am never having another baby!"



The doctor laughed and said he hears this a lot.



I was in so much pain and even passed out after I had him. Though I remember the pain and how intense it was- I still plan to have another baby. It's not that we forget about it I guess-for me the joy of having my son over powers the troubles and pain I had during birth. So maybe thats all it is. The pain comes and goes away. But the joy of having my son will be with me forever.
I had natural child birth, and I know it hurt, I remember what I was doing and stuff, but, I dont remember the pain. Your body does release a chemical that helps you forget.
MOST women have pregnancy amnesia. Not all.
when i had my baby it hurt like crazy if i have another baby my baby will have to be already in school but now she 7moths old now