Healthy Pregnancy: Why Having A Baby Is Literally Good For You

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By Mia Bolaris-Forget

Becoming a mom they say is helps both men and women mature, and even many a Hollywood heartthrob have admitted that it was their children (and their love) for them that completed them.

But, if you’ve ever witnessed anyone in the act of parenting it’s a non-stop, 24/7 job that leaves little or no room for sitting, relaxing, or for YOU. And, it is often wrought with worry and stress.

Yet, people keep on doing it and attesting to the fact that the rewards far outweigh the “sacrifices” and “compromises”. But, if you need another reason to consider motherhood, it’s now proven that its actually healthy for you.

1. Reduces The Risk Of Breast Cancer: Studies suggest that besides eating right, exercising and not engaging in any detrimental to your health habits, breastfeeding (and option only available to women who have given birth) lowers your risk of breast cancer. And the longer you breast feed for, the better for you. For every 12 months of nursing, the risk drop by approximately 4.3 percent regardless of age, race, number of children, whether the woman is “menopausal” or lives or has lives in a less developed area or part of the world.

And, if you have your first child before 20 (even if you don’t breastfeed) risk is reduced. Breastfeeding is just an added bonus.

2. Lowers Your Risk Of Ovarian Cancer: Again, besides improving you lifestyle and good habits having a child can reduce your risk of ovarian cancer. Research suggests that women who have had several pregnancies or who’ve breastfed lower their risk significantly. Getting pregnant more than once over the span of five years can lower your risk by about 50 percent.

3. Decreased Risk Of Endometrial Cancer: According to experts, the increased levels of progesterone during pregnancy and temporarily lower levels of estrogen after delivery combine to reduce your risk of this type of cancer.

4. Healing Abilities: Studies imply that lactation may actually help bolster a woman’s ability to heal after giving birth, in fact she will heal “better” and faster.

5. Checks And Balances: Pregnancies seems to result in better screening for potential health issues. Professionals point out that expectant women are subjected to a series of tests and screenings that can help detect any possible (health) problems. And they note that without the regualarly scheduled tests and visits pregnant women go through, many ladies would probably put (such tests) off.

6. Behavior Boosters: From eating right to exercising more and giving up alcohol and cigarettes, pregnancy seems to encourage (most) women to take better care of themselves (at least temporarily) for their (unborn) baby’s sake, and many for at least up to a year after the baby is born.