SAN FRANCISCO -- According to BabyCenter, an online resource for new and expectant parents, a majority of women increase their focus on health, fitness and nutrition once they become a mother, rather than before they planned to conceive and/or had a child.

New research shows approximately 65 percent of women exercise more or try to exercise more since becoming mothers, and 82 percent reported eating healthier since becoming a mom.

"We found that becoming a mom is a catalyst for getting healthy. Women begin making diet and exercise changes during pregnancy and those changes stay with them long after the baby is born. In our survey, three out of four women say they change their eating habits during pregnancy and after their kids are born, and more than half say they exercise more since becoming moms," said Linda Murray, editor in chief, BabyCenter. "Motherhood is good for your health."

The research found of the 40 percent of members planning to begin or expand their family in 2007, there was an overall commitment to healthier lifestyles whether trying to conceive, while pregnant, or while caring for a baby or toddler.