Pregnancy significantly impacts a woman's body, requiring adaptation to a series of physiological changes. These include increased hormone levels, adjustments to the immune system, weight gain, and an increase in blood volume.

Researchers at Columbia University suggest that each pregnancy can add two to three months to a woman's biological age. Multiple pregnancies can significantly affect the aging process. In contrast, men do not experience these direct physical impacts or hormonal shifts that pregnant women do, which helps explain the differing aging processes between the sexes.

Hormonal changes

Hormones play a key role in the aging process. During pregnancy, estrogen and progesterone levels surge, preparing the body for fetal development and childbirth. Postpartum, these hormones decrease rapidly, necessitating a readjustment in the body. Over time, these hormonal changes influence the timing of menopause. Women who experience early menopause tend to age faster, exhibit reduced bone density, are more susceptible to cardiovascular diseases, and show skin changes. Lifestyle factors such as nutrition, stress, and sleep are also linked to hormonal fluctuations.

Childbirth

The process of childbirth exerts substantial physical demands on a mother's body. Beyond the weight gain during pregnancy, the cardiovascular system works harder, joints and ligaments stretch, and the body undergoes musculoskeletal changes to accommodate fetal growth.

Stress from childcare

The stress of motherhood contributes to accelerated aging. Chronic stress triggers the release of cortisol, which can, over time, shorten telomeres—the protective caps on DNA that regulate cellular aging. Women who experience significant pressure from childcare may exhibit signs of aging faster than men in similar caregiving roles.

Lack of sleep, multitasking, and balancing family responsibilities intensify this pressure. These psychosocial stressors, combined with the physical and hormonal changes of pregnancy, can lead to mothers aging faster.

Aging is a natural and unavoidable process. However, sufficient sleep, a balanced diet, regular exercise, stress management, and mental health care can help slow biological aging. Excessive alcohol consumption should be avoided, as it can cause dehydration, dry skin, cell damage, and a dull complexion.