Busy moms stay healthier

Mothers with stable employment may be mentally and physically healthier at age 40 than other mothers.

Researchers looked at surveys from more than 2,500 women who became mothers between 1978 and 1995.

They found those women who returned to work shortly after giving birth reported significantly higher levels of mental and physical health, including higher mobility and energy levels and less depression by age 40.

The study also found mothers who want to work, but are continuously unemployed tend to be the unhealthiest.

They blame stress of finding and losing jobs.