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Being a mother transforms your life completely, and we don’t mean just socially and in terms of lifestyle. Your body goes through permanent changes with each pregnancy, including changes in your DNA structures. Every mother deserves praise and recognition for being true heroes to their children. In celebration of moms everywhere, we dug up some mommy facts that will surprise you for sure. Read on to know them all.
1. Your DNA Will Change After Childbirth
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You will never be the same after becoming a mother. Mothers are often compared to the mythical creature chimeras because the DNA of each kid she carries becomes part of her own (1). Fetal cells enter a mother’s body through blood circulation and remain with her permanently. It is hypothesized by the research community that these cells may have both beneficial and detrimental effects on the mother. The danger of cancer is raised, but the healing process is sped up (2).
2. Baby Can Pick Up The Flavor Of Anything Mom Is Eating
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Science has proven that the mother’s diet influences the taste of the amniotic fluid (3). Several times a day, a baby will gulp down the liquid from the amniotic sack. In other words, even when still in the womb, the kid can already detect the flavors of the food their mother eats. So, if you want your unborn child to like eating nutritious, crisp vegetables, do so while you’re pregnant.
3. The Healing Power Of Baby Kisses
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The desire to smother a baby with kisses is not uncommon among mothers. This is fundamental to human biology and so cannot be taught. But, according to research, mothers’ kisses are not just an expression of affection; they also have a medicinal effect (4). When a mother’s body takes a sample of the bacteria and viruses present on her child’s face, miraculous processes happen inside her body. Particularly in her breast milk, the infant’s primary source of nourishment and protection (5).
4. Pregnant Women Produce Very High Levels Of Estrogen
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A pregnant woman’s hormones go into overdrive. After giving delivery, the uterus returns to its pre-pregnancy size. Because of the higher blood volume, the heart enlarges somewhat to accommodate it. On top of that, the estrogen production exceeds that of a woman who didn’t conceive.
5. A Mother’s Smile Has Mystical Powers
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The healing power of a mother’s touch or smile is almost supernatural. Researchers have shown that newborns’ heart rates match when mothers smile, coo, and express care for their newborns (6). Therefore, it soothes a fussy infant.
6. Women Who Carry Boys May Feel More Nausea
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Pregnant women expecting a boy are statistically more likely to have morning sickness during the first & second trimesters of their pregnancies (7). Not that all pregnant women with boys feel queasier than those with girls. It’s merely that a higher incidence of morning sickness and aversions to particular foods is associated with a male-fetus pregnancy.
7. Infants Often Refer To Their Mothers By Their Given Names
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Mom, Mommy, and Mamma are some names babies call their mom. It follows a similar pattern in most languages since infants often make “em” sounds as their first words. It’s also the most straightforward noise for a newborn to utter. So basically, it is your baby who names you!
8. Mommy Brain Fog Is Real
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There’s a scientific explanation behind new mothers’ bewilderment. A woman’s brain changes, losing gray matter with each pregnancy. Effects often fade after about 2 years (8). According to studies, this brief confusion also helps moms bond with their young children. However, the brain can heal itself, so any mental fogginess or short-term memory loss is temporary.
9. A Mother’s Voice Is As Soothing As A Hug
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One research found that hearing one’s mother’s voice, even over the phone, had the same soothing effect as receiving a physical embrace (9). One-third of the girls were instructed to embrace their moms, another third to chat to their mothers, and the other third to watch an emotionally neutral video after experiencing stress. Girls who hugged or talked to their mothers felt significantly better much quicker. This demonstrates that hearing your mother’s voice during stress might trigger a surge of the feel-good hormone oxytocin.
10. Unborn Infants Can Cry In The Womb
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Research has shown that babies can cry before birth, indicating they could be unhappy even before delivery (10). As early as 28 weeks of pregnancy, this can occur. Babies open their mouths and act like they are weeping when researchers play low-decibel noises on the mother’s abdomen.
A mother goes through both physical and mental changes once she conceives a baby. While it is true that nothing remains the same once you have a baby, most moms-to-be look forward to the change. Nothing is as fulfilling and rewarding as having a little bundle of joy you brought into the world. So, what do you think is the most bewildering part about pregnancy? Let us know in the comments section!
