Health

08.09.2025

Pregnancy and Accelerated Aging in Women

According to a study conducted by the Mailman School of Public Health at Columbia University, published in the “Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences,” each pregnancy adds between two to three months to a woman’s biological age, as reported by “Times of India.”

Pregnancy is an intense biological experience, during which a woman’s body undergoes significant hormonal, immune, and physical changes. With repeated pregnancies, these changes accumulate, accelerating the aging process compared to men who do not undergo this experience.

Hormonal fluctuations after childbirth also influence the timing of menopause, increasing the risks of osteoporosis and cardiovascular diseases. Psychological and social stresses also play a major role. Sleep deprivation, multitasking, and chronic stress associated with childcare raise cortisol levels, which accelerates cellular aging.

Although aging is a natural process, researchers emphasize that maintaining a healthy lifestyle can slow its pace. This includes adequate sleep, balanced nutrition, exercise, and stress management, along with providing psychological and social support.

Experts stress the importance of enhancing healthcare and psychological support for mothers to maintain their vitality, making the motherhood journey less impactful on their health and appearance.