In an interview with Romper, Jessica Alba talked about the reasons that made her retire from her career as an actress.

The 39-year-old co-founder of The Honest Company * said that being a mother to her first daughter Honor, who was born in 2008, changed many things in the way she viewed her health and career.

* The Honest Company - is an American consumer goods company, mainly focusing on baby products, skin care and important household products.

"My mother had cancer at a very young age. Many women in my family have had similar illnesses and none have been genetic. In fact, I have grown up with a chronic illness."

The actress adds:

"I had 5 surgeries before I was 11. I had chronic allergies and I was hospitalized many times when I was a child. Having gone through so many difficult moments, I realized I wanted to live and spend as much time with this man as possible. "The little one I am bringing into the world. Health for me is the most important thing. I want this little person to be healthy. That was what motivated me."

Jessica Alva says she did not worry if she "would start working after giving birth" because she was "at the peak of her career" and the pregnancy would not be a problem. But after Honor was born, she realized that "she could not go back to what she was doing before and be authentic."

"I just couldn't. I was no longer interested in acting the same way. I was just thinking about how to use my platforms to do something meaningful, a change."

The actress, married to Cash Warren, is also the mother of Haven, 9, and son Hayes, 3.

Source: People