In this episode of In Your Skin, neuroscientist and author Dr Sarah McKay unpacks the truth about “baby brain” and why your lived experience is real, even if lab tests don’t show cognitive decline. She explains the profound (and surprisingly positive) brain changes of first pregnancy, how attention, sleep, stress and the mental load shape our memory, and why dads can feel “baby brain” too. We also dive into girls vs boys in the classroom, the contraceptive pill and the brain, and what’s really going on with perimenopausal brain fog (hint: thermoregulation and sleep architecture). Practical, compassionate and myth-busting, this chat gives women evidence-based ways to protect brain health across motherhood, midlife and beyond.

If you’ve blamed your brain, this conversation will help you zoom out, lower the pressure, and back yourself with science.

This episode is proudly sponsored by: Olay.

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Episode Breakdown:

0:00 – Welcome and intro to Dr Sarah McKay

1:04 – What is “baby brain”? The paradox between feelings and test results

8:52 – Cognitive testing vs lived experience: why attention and sleep matter

10:32 – Pregnancy reshapes the “social brain” to tune into your baby

12:12 – Wellbeing and the mental load: how stress amplifies “baby brain”

17:11 – Ecologically relevant skills: nesting, memory and real-world advantages

20:18 – First pregnancy drives the biggest structural brain changes

26:15 – Hormones 101: placenta power, oestrogen, progesterone and plasticity

33:04 – Postpartum: a window of vulnerability and opportunity (support matters)

47:12 – Perimenopause brain fog explained: thermoregulation, sleep & anxiety

1:12:04 – What actually helps: routines, fewer distractions, honest support

1:24:17 – Phones, attention, AI and training your focus in a noisy world

1:28:02 – What makes Sarah feel great in her skin + where to find her work

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Connect with Anna Robards on Instagram @annaheinrich1

Connect with Dr Sarah McKay on Instagram @drsarahmckay

The content in this In Your Skin podcast is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. If listeners use the information, it is at their own risk. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, or any other qualified professional, diagnosis, or treatment. Every person is unique, and listeners should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such condition.

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