Pregnancy, though accompanied by challenges like morning sickness and hormonal changes, is celebrated by expectant mothers.
Makati Medical Center highlights the positive aspects beyond cute babies. Dr. Martin P. Manahan from MakatiMed’s Obstetrics and Gynecology Department notes that pregnancy prompts women to embrace healthier lifestyles for their well-being and that of their children.
The responsibility of motherhood motivates moms to make better choices and adopt healthier behaviors, recognizing the profound impact maternal health has on the baby.
What else are the pluses of pregnancy?
Easier periods. Many women find that they get less painful menstrual cramps after giving birth. “Dysmenorrhea goes away with pregnancy, regardless of the type of childbirth, “ says Dr. Manahan.
Improved intimacy. Mothers-to-be aren’t the only ones unleashing hormones at this stage.
“That little bun in the oven is producing the sex hormones estrogen and testosterone,” reveals Dr. Manahan. “Together with its mom’s hormones, it may explain the ramped-up sex drive.”
For moms, knowing that they’re already pregnant eases any tension, allowing them to fully enjoy intimacy with their significant other.
Lower risk of disease. “From breast, ovarian, and endometrial cancers, to multiple sclerosis, heart disease, diabetes, and stroke, pregnancy is said to reduce your chances of developing these life-threatening diseases,” shares Dr. Manahan.
“When you’re pregnant, you get your period less, which cuts your exposure to estrogen and progesterone, hormones that trigger cell growth, boosting a woman’s risk of cancer. The immune system also adjusts itself to prevent it from ‘attacking’ the baby. This change lessens inflammation that may cause nerve damage,” the doctor added.
Better mood. After the hormone-powered journey that is pregnancy, most women find that their moods tend to stabilize. Dr. Manahan notes, “The hormone oxytocin plays a big role during mom and baby bonding. You’ll likely feel surges of love or just have positive, wonderful emotions whenever you hold or nurse your baby.”
Pregnancy doesn’t just result in the eventual birth of a baby. It means the birth of a mother too.
“The process of becoming a mother is known as matrescence,” Dr. Manahan explains. “It’s at this stage that a woman begins to reflect on her life, specifically the choices she made and her long-held beliefs. Matrescence can signal a new chapter in your life, a chance to be and do better for yourself and your family.”