The researchers from Brigham Young University suggest that parenthood is related to lower blood pressure, particularly so among women. The study claims that parenthood can be stressful, but it has health benefits too.

However, many parents may annul the claim and would not believe it but the main principle is that parenthood imparts people 'a sense of purpose and meaning' which assist in reducing stress and put the hassles of life into perspective, aiming to point out a noteworthy aspect that social factors may also protect physical health.

The study involved 198 adults who were fitted with portable blood pressure monitors for 24 hours as they went about their normal lives.

However, researchers also analyzed others factors that can influence blood pressure, such as health, age, weight, exercise, employment and drinking history.

The diastolic blood pressure - the bottom number in a reading - was three points lower in people with children, the scientists reported in the journal Annals of Behavioural Medicine.

The output revealed that the effect was stronger among women. Mothers had a 12 and seven-point difference in blood pressure in comparison to childless women.