Everybody knows motherhood is a tough business. Ask any new mom and she'd nod her sleep-deprived head in agreement; her job is never done! Bearing and raising children is not meant for the faint of heart. But as tired and overwhelmed they may be, moms will tell you that motherhood is very gratifying, which makes all the hard work worth it in the end. And that’s not all. Being a mom may equip you with a list of amazing health benefits. Since International Mother’s Day just around the corner, let’s count all the ways in which motherhood can be good for our health.

Easier Periods

Moms may have noticed that their periods go by swimmingly after a pregnancy or two. Why is it that all the cramps and pain of pre-pregnancy days to vanish after childbirth? Turns out, it’s not just in your imagination. Motherhood does seem to ease some of the burden of painful periods. Although science doesn’t offer a reason why, moms who have been through vaginal births report feeling lesser cramps and discomfort. Even symptoms of endometriosis, fibroids and PCOS miraculously lessen after childbirth.

Better Memory

It’s not lost until mom can’t find it, right? It’s almost as if moms have superpowers to retrieve things lost in the darkest corners of the house. It’s not (just) superpowers at work; it’s also good memory, which motherhood tends to sharpen, according to science. A study led by scientists at the Carlos Albizu University in Miami found that moms excelled in tests of visuospatial memory.

Healthier Heart

With many heart-warming moments abound, it’s no surprise why moms have healthier hearts than the others. A study found out that women who were pregnant more than four times half their risk of dying of a stroke. One speculation is that higher levels of oestrogen in the body have a protective effect on the heart. Also, more child equal to more emotion and social support, which reduces stress, BP and diabetes and promotes heart health.

Reduced Chances of Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a severe autoimmune condition, affecting the nerves. The risk is higher in women than in men. But women who have MS notice that some of the severe symptoms of the disease wane during pregnancy. The secret lies in a hormone called estriol, which mothers have in excess during pregnancy. The hormone is so strong that adding it to MS medication can cut chances of relapse by 47 percent. An Australian study concluded that pregnancy slashes the risk of this autoimmune condition by half. Autoimmune conditions reduce during pregnancy due to the low immune activity. It could be explained in part because the mother’s immune system tames down to prevent attacks on the foetus.

Reduced Cancer Risk

Moms may also be protected from certain types of cancers. Studies say that motherhood reduces the risk of certain kinds of cancers, especially breast and ovarian. An Oxford study found that motherhood slashes the risk of ovarian cancer with each pregnancy. Women who have their first child before the age of 20 have a 50 percent reduction in breast cancer, compared to those who don’t have children. Longer breastfeeding for more than 13 months and having two or more also reduces the risk of 50 percent.

Reduced Diabetes Risk

Diabetes is perhaps the most serious metabolic disorders of our times. A 30-year-old study published the JAMA Internal Medicine says that mothers who have breastfed for more than 6 months cut their chances of developing type 2 diabetes by 47 percent. Those who breastfed for a shorter duration also saw a 23 percent reduction in their diabetes risk. Scientists believe that the hormones that help mothers lactate affect insulin and blood sugar levels.

Longer Life

Nothing in the world may guarantee you eternal life, but it sure can help you get a longer life. Motherhood – parenthood to be precise – helps in increasing your chances of living longer. A study in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, which tracked 1.5 million men and women worldwide, found out that mothers who are 60 years old may outlive their childless counterparts by a year and a half. The care and support that parents receive from their children help them live longer.

Motherhood can be a mixed bag – a powerful emotional rollercoaster ride that can excite you as well as overwhelm you. But it’s an immensely fulfilling experience which can be useful for your health in the long run. On International Mother’s Day, we wish all the mommies of the world the best of health and happiness. May you always be the Supermom your little ones look up to.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 10, 2018 06:10 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).