[Visual memory impairment during postpartum].
Using a visual memory test we studied memory in pregnant women. Benton's Visual Retention Test was used with 54 pregnant women three times: at term, 3-4 days post-partum, and one month after birth. There was a significant decline in visual memory at 3-4 days post-partum (p < 0.01). There was no interaction between hours of sleep and memory of pregnant women at any period. Although memory declined at 3-4 days, there was no interaction between this decline and duration of labor, intra-partum hemorrhage, or memory at one month post-partum. It is not yet clear why visual memory declined shortly after birth. Further studies on post-partum memory decline as well as the possible relationship to hormonal and mood changes are necessary.
Ishiyama
S
S
Division of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, Saga Medical School.
Matsushima
M
M
Matsuyama
T
T
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008569:Memory Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011644:Puerperal Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D014796:Visual Perception