Having just welcomed my third little girl into this world, I feel as though I have developed some expertise on the topic of pregnancy amnesia. In addition, I'm pretty sure my husband, oldest daughter and close friends could provide plenty of examples that would demonstrate my skills in this particular subject area.

Whether it's the lost keys, the missed appointments, unreturned phone calls or the trips up the stairs to retrieve something only to come down wondering why I just went up there, my mind certainly is not at its best during pregnancy.

While there is not a diagnosed condition called pregnancy amnesia, it is a reality doctors often hear about from their patients.

According to Dr. Alan Sacolick, OB-GYN with Columbus Obstetricians-Gynecologists, Inc., "There are a whole host of physical, hormonal and nutritional changes during pregnancy that can cause women to become distracted and anxious, and therefore forgetful. The symptoms tend to be worse during the third trimester when the physical demands on the mother's body are peaking and many women are experiencing information overload as they prepare for delivery."

Listed below are a few practical tips to help you simplify and minimize the forgetfulness:

• Get organized. Make lists and keep a calendar even if you never had to before.
• Listen to your body. Remember to relax and eat a well-balanced diet. Your body will send you the messages and it's important that you listen.
• Give yourself permission. If you feel like you need to take a nap, do it. If someone offers to help out at work or with the older kids, take them up on it. Take a little vacation, sign up for a pregnancy yoga class or give yourself a few minutes every day to daydream.

The good news is your absentmindedness is perfectly normal, and it's not a permanent condition. The bad news is it is likely to last throughout your pregnancy and well into the post-partum period.

And, if it doesn't go away completely (mine certainly hasn't), then we call it "mommy brain," which is also a perfectly normal and common condition.