15 Things Moms Do That Make Them Even More Incredible

Each pregnancy alters your body irrevocably. And we don’t mean the stretch marks or the scars. We mean the forever-changed DNA. Ask any new mother and she’ll list out a litany of things that are now different for her. Like a forgetful mommy brain that, according to science, makes the mother-child bond stronger.

We at Bright Side salute all moms and believe that they are real-life superheroes. To honor all mothers, we found some mommy facts proving there’s nothing like a mother’s love. Or the science behind it.

1. Motherhood changes you, and your DNA.

A chimera is a legendary beast made of different animals. And we are likening mothers to chimeras because every child that a mother carries leaves their DNA inside her. Basically, fetal cells enter a mother’s bloodstream and stay in her body forever. Researchers allege that these cells can affect the mother both positively and negatively. On one hand, it can speed up healing but on the flip side, it can increase the risk of cancer.

So when they say motherhood changes you, it does so at an elemental level as well. Jennifer Garner’s stunning countenance reflects just that.

2. The baby can taste what their mother eats.

Studies show that what a mother eats flavors the amniotic fluid. Something a baby gulps down several times a day. Basically, a baby can taste what their mother eats from within the womb.

study showed that infants whose mothers ate carrots while pregnant seemed to enjoy cereal prepared with carrot juice more than others. So if you want to develop your baby’s palate for healthy, crunchy veggies, chow down on them while you are pregnant.

3. Kissing babies is more “healing” than we think.

Any new mom will tell you that the urge to kiss a newborn is intense. It’s innate and biological in nature. And science says that when mothers kiss their babies, it’s not just love, it’s medicine.

A mother’s body samples the pathogens found on the baby’s face, and more magic happens within her own body. Especially to her breastmilk, the main source of nutrition and immunity for the baby.

4. Pregnant women make enormous amounts of estrogen.

Pregnancy sends a woman’s body into overdrive. The uterus expands to 500 times its normal size and then shrinks back after birth. The blood volume increases and to tackle that, the heart expands a little too.

And it’s not just this, a woman makes more estrogen in a single pregnancy than she would in her whole lifetime if she never got pregnant. There’s a reason why women are exhausted when expecting and need sleep and rest for a healthy delivery and recovery.

5. A mother’s smile is near magical.

Moms are near magic, and so is their smile or affection. While you need your mother at all ages, it’s the helpless infant who is most dependent on their mom.

Studies show that when mothers smile, coo, and show affection to their babies, their heartbeats synchronize into the same beat. So if a baby is distressed, it calms them down. This is the reason why newborns need mothers the most when they are fussy and refuse to be calmed down by other family members.

6. Carrying boys can make you more nauseous.

There’s a reason why little boys are made of “snips and snails and puppy dog tails” or so goes the nursery rhyme. This is because mothers who carry boys are more likely to be nauseous in the first and second trimesters, a study shows.

This is not to say that women expecting girls cannot have morning sickness or that all women who carry boys have more nausea. It’s just that if you are expecting a boy, chances are you may experience more nausea or food aversions.

7. Babies name their mamas.

“Mom, mama, mummy, mamma, ammi, ma, me, emi, mimi.” There’s a pattern in the name for mother in all languages and this is because the “em” sounds are usually the first vocalization for a baby. It’s also the easiest sound a baby can make while babbling. And so it’s our babies who name us and call us mamas.

8. The mommy brain fog is very real.

If you see new moms looking lost, there’s a scientific reason for this. Each pregnancy affects a woman’s brain and makes her lose gray matter. The effects last for around 2 years. Science says that this temporary bewilderment makes mothers closer to their babies as well.

That said, the gray matter regenerates and any confusion or forgetfulness is passing. The bond between a mother and her child is permanent.

9. A mother’s voice is as soothing as a hug.

A study has shown that a mother’s voice, even on the telephone, is as calming as a hug. Researchers introduced stress to a group of girls and then had 1/3 of them hug their mothers, another 1/3 of them talk to their mothers, and 1/3 watched an emotionally neutral film. The girls who spoke to their mothers calmed down much faster, just like those who hugged.

This proves that if you are under stress, your mother’s voice can flood oxytocin into your bloodstream, making you feel better. And we think Jennifer Garner already knows that, pictured here with her mother.

10. Babies can cry in the womb.

The baby’s first cry is not post-birth, rather studies now show that they can express displeasure inside the womb. This can happen as early as 28 weeks gestation.

Researchers played low-decibel sounds on the mother’s belly and could see that the baby opened their mouth and exhibited crying-like behavior. But it’s a silent cry. Researchers also added that this in-vitro crying was nothing the mother should worry about.

11. Pregnancies leave women vulnerable to tooth decay.

Pregnant women are at risk for tooth decay and there are many reasons why. The changes in diet due to cravings may give some women a sweet tooth and the hormones that cause nausea, meaning more acidity on your mouth, to mention a few. This leads to gum disease and decay.

A simple way to prevent it all is by making oral health a priority, especially when you are pregnant.

12. The earliest milk bottle use came to be 7,000 years ago.

As it turns out, the breast/bottle debate is prehistoric. And mamas back then were pretty innovative too. Researchers have found little clay vessels, some shaped into mythical animals with hands and feet, with milk residue in them.

The earliest of them date back to 7,000 years ago and have been identified as prehistoric feeding bottles for babies. The dairy residue has been identified as breastmilk and milk from a cow, sheep, or goat.

13. The Ice Age made human breast milk more nutritious.

Human beings need sunlight to survive because our bodies only synthesize vitamin D in the sun. Allegedly, the last Ice Age should have wiped us out because newborns were not getting any vitamin D, considering the intense cold and lack of sunshine.

Scientists believe that a genetic tweak happened and mothers could transmit vitamin D and essential fatty acids to their newborn babies, and this may have ensured human survival.

14. Pregnancies can be contagious.

A study of more than 30,000 women conducted in Germany has indicated that pregnancy is contagious. It spreads from woman to woman in workplaces, in an endearing way. The results stated that “in the year after a colleague gives birth, transition rates to first pregnancies double.”

So if you are in the workplace and someone is pregnant, expect more pregnancies to pop up.

15. Most mammal moms carry their babies on the left.

Human mothers and even some mammal mamas cradle their babies on the left side of their bodies, closer to their heart. This is irrespective of a left-handed or right-handed mom. Science says that all the sensory information that comes from the left side of the body is processed on the right side of the brain.

The right side is where all the emotions are. And surprisingly enough, babies prefer to keep their moms on their left side as well, so it works for both mom and babe.

Bonus: Celebrity moms speak about motherhood.

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley

“I did start to feel this new sense of life. And now my confidence is so much greater.”

Lauren Burnham Luyendyk

Breastfeeding is one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. I’m in awe of the ladies that make it look so effortless, and even the ones who don’t, you are superheroes.”

Do you have any other experiences as a child or a mother that show us that moms are actual superhumans? Share your motherhood stories with us and spread the joy.

Please note: This article was updated in June 2022 to correct source material and factual inaccuracies.

Preview photo credit laurenluyendyk / Instagram

My Mom Called Me from Her Honeymoon Begging Me to Save Her from Her New Husband

When my mom called me from her honeymoon, begging me to save her from her new husband, I thought she was in real danger. Nothing could’ve prepared me for what she told me or how I had to step in to fix it.

I’ve always been close to my mom, Diane.

She’s been my rock, my best friend, and the person who taught me everything about love and resilience. But after my dad passed away 10 years ago, things changed.

An upset woman | Source: Midjourney

An upset woman | Source: Midjourney

She became quiet, and withdrawn, like a shadow of the vibrant woman she used to be. She barely called or texted anymore, and every time I tried to check in, she insisted she was fine.

But I could tell she wasn’t.

One day, I couldn’t take it anymore.

I called her and said, “Mom, why don’t you come stay with me for a while? It’ll be fun. We can binge-watch those cooking shows you love and eat way too much ice cream.”

A woman talking to her mother | Source: Midjourney

A woman talking to her mother | Source: Midjourney

At first, she resisted, but after a bit of cajoling, she finally agreed.

A week later, she moved into my guest room, and I made it my mission to bring her back to life.

I started encouraging her to get out of the house, make new friends, and attend neighborhood events.

“You’re still young, Mom,” I told her. “You deserve to have fun and meet people. Dad would want that for you.”

A woman talking to her mother | Source: Midjourney

A woman talking to her mother | Source: Midjourney

To be honest, that wasn’t the easiest thing to do.

She’d sigh and roll her eyes whenever I suggested going to a book club or joining a gardening group. But eventually, she started saying yes.

Slowly but surely, I saw the spark return to her eyes. She started laughing more, talking about her new friends, and even picking up some of her old hobbies.

I was so relieved to see this side of her again.

Then, about a year ago, Mom told me about Greg. She invited him over for lunch one day.

A man standing in a room | Source: Midjourney

A man standing in a room | Source: Midjourney

“He’s just a friend,” she said, but the way her cheeks turned pink told me otherwise.

Greg was a tall, silver-haired man with kind eyes and a soft-spoken demeanor. He seemed sweet, the kind of man who would hold doors open and always say please and thank you.

After he left, I couldn’t help teasing her.

“So, Mom, is Greg really just a friend, or is there more to the story?”

Her blush deepened.

A woman standing in her house | Source: Midjourney

A woman standing in her house | Source: Midjourney

“Well, umm… he’s, uh, he’s my boyfriend,” she admitted.

“OMG, what?” I looked at her with wide eyes. “Mom! You never told me about him!”

“I didn’t know how to…” she said. “I mean—”

“I’m so happy for you, Mom!” I cut her off and pulled her into a hug. “That’s so, so amazing!”

“But, uh,” she began. “Do you think it’s okay? I mean, dating someone else after your dad… is that fine?”

A woman talking to her daughter | Source: Midjourney

A woman talking to her daughter | Source: Midjourney

“Mom, of course, it’s okay,” I put my hands on her shoulders. “You deserve to be happy. Think about Dad. He always wanted to see you happy, right? He’d want you to move forward and do things in life. You can’t put your life on hold forever, can you?”

Her eyes glistened as she nodded. “You’re right. I just… I hope I’m doing the right thing.”

“You are,” I said firmly. “Greg seems like a great guy. And you’re allowed to have a second chance at happiness.”

A woman sitting on a couch | Source: Midjourney

A woman sitting on a couch | Source: Midjourney

From that moment, she fully embraced her relationship with Greg. They dated for a while, and when he proposed, she said yes.

Their wedding was a small but beautiful ceremony, filled with love and laughter. As I watched my mom walk down the aisle, I thought to myself, Maybe this is her happily ever after.

And for a while, it seemed like everything was perfect. But then I received the phone call that sent a shiver down my spine.

A woman using her phone | Source: Pexels

A woman using her phone | Source: Pexels

So, after their wedding, Mom and Greg left for their honeymoon in the Florida Keys. It was Mom’s dream trip, and she deserved every bit of it.

I was so happy for her.

My phone rang the day after they arrived, and I saw her name on the screen. Naturally, I assumed she was calling to gush about how amazing everything was.

“Mom!” I answered cheerfully. “How’s paradise?”

But her shaky voice on the other end told me something was wrong.

A woman looking at her phone | Source: Midjourney

A woman looking at her phone | Source: Midjourney

“Kayla,” she whispered. “Please. Come and save me from him. I beg you.”

“Mom, what’s going on?” I asked as I sat up straight. “Are you okay?”

“It’s Greg,” she said. “He’s not who I thought he was.”

My mind raced with worst-case scenarios.

“What do you mean? Did he do something? Is he dangerous?” I was already grabbing my car keys, ready to drive to Florida if I had to.

A car key | Source: Pexels

A car key | Source: Pexels

She took a deep breath.

“You wouldn’t believe me if I told you,” she said bitterly. “But he brought his kids, and their kids, on our honeymoon. And he expects me to babysit them.”

“Wait… what?”

“Yesterday, he said he had a surprise for me,” she explained. “I thought it was going to be something romantic, like a sunset dinner or a couples’ massage. Instead, his adult children showed up with their toddlers in tow.”

A woman holding a baby | Source: Pexels

A woman holding a baby | Source: Pexels

I couldn’t believe Greg was capable of doing something so absurd.

“There are four of them, Kayla. Four,” Mom cried. “And now I’m stuck babysitting while Greg spends all his time with his kids.”

“You mean to tell me he brought his entire family on your honeymoon? Without asking you?”

“Yes!” she cried. “And now he’s saying that since I’m ‘the new mom,’ it’s my job to help out. Help out! On my honeymoon! What does he think he’s doing?”

I could hear the frustration and exhaustion in her voice.

A woman using her phone | Source: Midjourney

A woman using her phone | Source: Midjourney

My mom, the woman who had given up everything to raise me after my dad passed away, was being treated like a nanny on what was supposed to be the happiest trip of her life.

I felt a wave of anger rush through my body.

“That’s insane!” I snapped. “Who does he think he is? Don’t worry, Mom. I’m coming, and we’re putting an end to this nonsense.”

“Kayla, you don’t have to—”

“No, Mom,” I interrupted, my voice steely. “I’m not letting him treat you like this. Pack your bags. I’ll be there by morning.”

A woman sitting near a window | Source: Midjourney

A woman sitting near a window | Source: Midjourney

The next morning, I arrived at the resort. I was in such a beautiful place, but unfortunately, I wasn’t there to relax. I was there to fight. To tell Greg he couldn’t mistreat my mother.

To make my point crystal clear, I decided to lean into the absurdity of the situation.

Before heading to the resort, I stopped at a store and grabbed a few props. A bright pink kid’s sun hat, a bib, and a pacifier.

If Greg wanted to turn my mom into a nanny, I’d show him exactly how ridiculous that was.

A woman standing outdoors | Source: Midjourney

A woman standing outdoors | Source: Midjourney

When I walked into the resort’s outdoor lounge, I spotted Greg immediately.

He was lounging by the pool with his adult kids, completely unaware of what was heading his way.

Mom was nowhere to be seen, and I could only assume she was stuck babysitting.

I straightened my pink hat, stuck the pacifier in my mouth, and stormed up to him.

“Daddy!” I called out, loud enough for everyone to hear. “Where’s Mommy? I want my juice box!”

The look on Greg’s face was priceless.

A man standing in a resort | Source: Midjourney

A man standing in a resort | Source: Midjourney

His laughter vanished the moment he saw me.

“Kayla,” he said. “What are you doing here?”

“Saving my mom,” I said as I yanked the pacifier out of my mouth. “And calling you out on your nonsense while I’m at it.”

Before he could respond, I turned to his grown children, who were now staring at me with wide eyes.

“Hi, everyone!” I said, plastering on a fake smile. “I’m Kayla, Greg’s other kid, apparently. The one he forgot to mention when he invited the rest of you to my mom’s honeymoon and turned her into a babysitter.”

A woman looking straight ahead | Source: Midjourney

A woman looking straight ahead | Source: Midjourney

One of his daughters stammered, “We… we didn’t mean—”

“Oh, save it,” I interrupted. “Let me guess, he told you my mom would be happy to watch your kids so you could enjoy a nice vacation, right? Did he mention it’s supposed to be her honeymoon? You know, the trip where she was supposed to be relaxing, not changing diapers?”

At that moment, my mom appeared, holding a wailing toddler on her hip and looking like she hadn’t slept in days.

I walked over to her and gently took the toddler from her arms.

A woman holding a baby | Source: Pexels

A woman holding a baby | Source: Pexels

“Here you go,” I said, handing the child back to one of Greg’s kids. “Pretty sure this one’s yours. Maybe try taking care of your own children instead of dumping them on a woman you barely know.”

“Kayla!” Greg snapped. “That’s enough. You’re making a scene.”

“Oh, am I?” I shot back, crossing my arms. “You dragged your entire family into what was supposed to be a romantic getaway with your new wife. And you’ve been treating her like a nanny instead of a partner. What kind of man does that?”

A serious woman | Source: Midjourney

A serious woman | Source: Midjourney

“It’s a family trip!” Greg argued. “She’s part of the family now. Helping out is what families do.”

“No,” I said firmly. “She’s your wife, not your maid. She didn’t sign up to spend her honeymoon babysitting. And honestly, the fact that you thought this was okay tells me everything I need to know about you.”

That’s when one of Greg’s daughters started apologizing.

“We didn’t mean to cause trouble,” she mumbled. “Dad said she’d be fine with it…”

A woman standing outdoors | Source: Midjourney

A woman standing outdoors | Source: Midjourney

“Of course, he did,” I said bitterly. “Because he didn’t bother to ask her.”

The crowd around the pool was utterly silent, watching the scene unfold. Greg looked like he wanted to disappear, but I wasn’t done yet.

“Pack your bags, Mom,” I said. “We’re leaving.”

She hesitated, glancing at Greg. “But… what about—”

“No,” I cut her off. “You don’t owe him anything. He disrespected you, and you deserve better.”

Tears welled in her eyes, but she nodded. I grabbed her hand and led her out of the pool area, while Greg mumbled excuses.

A close-up shot of a man's face | Source: Midjourney

A close-up shot of a man’s face | Source: Midjourney

On the drive home, Mom stayed quiet for the longest time. She kept staring out of the window before finally speaking up.

“Thank you, Kayla,” she said softly. “I don’t know what I would’ve done without you.”

“You don’t have to thank me, Mom,” I said, reaching over to squeeze her hand. “You’ve always been there for me. I’m just returning the favor.”

She gave me a small, teary smile. “I thought he loved me.”

“Someone who loves you wouldn’t treat you like that,” I said. “You deserve someone who puts you first.”

A woman driving | Source: Pexels

A woman driving | Source: Pexels

“You’re right,” she nodded. “I’m done with Greg.”

When we got home, she blocked his number and started looking into annulments.

Meanwhile, karma turned Greg’s life upside down. His kids weren’t too thrilled about being dragged into his honeymoon scheme, and they stopped speaking to him after finding out what he did.

Last I heard, he was spending his days alone, wondering where it all went wrong.

I can’t explain how relieved I feel after saving Mom from being exploited for her kindness. I’m grateful she decided to call me that day instead of quietly looking after that man’s grandkids and keeping up with his insane logic.

A woman smiling | Source: Midjourney

A woman smiling | Source: Midjourney

If you enjoyed reading this story, here’s another one you might like: “My real mom still lives here,” my stepson whispered one night. I laughed it off, until I started noticing strange things around our home.

This work is inspired by real events and people, but it has been fictionalized for creative purposes. Names, characters, and details have been changed to protect privacy and enhance the narrative. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental and not intended by the author.

The author and publisher make no claims to the accuracy of events or the portrayal of characters and are not liable for any misinterpretation. This story is provided “as is,” and any opinions expressed are those of the characters and do not reflect the views of the author or publisher.

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