People often say that childbirth is equivalent to a second birth for women because of the immense physical strain they undergo. At the same time, some believe that delivering a baby could potentially shorten a mother’s life span. How true is this belief? Here’s what medical experts explain.

Several research findings suggest that women who have multiple pregnancies might experience a slight reduction in life expectancy. Health professionals note that childbirth may reduce a woman’s lifespan by nearly six months, particularly among women who live in challenging or resource-poor environments.

What Do Medical Experts Explain?

According to experts, most of a woman’s physical energy is used during pregnancy and delivery, which may limit the body’s ability to repair and strengthen its cells. They also highlight that the surrounding environment during childbirth plays a major role in influencing a mother’s long-term health.

Delivering a baby in tough conditions places additional stress on the body, which may contribute to long-term health risks. These risks include heart-related issues, metabolic disorders, excess weight gain, and overall physical strain. Recent studies indicate that women who give birth in continuous pregnancies or face severe environmental hardships—such as drought or poor living conditions—may see a reduction in life expectancy by about six months.