In her upcoming comedy What to Expect When You're Expecting (due out on May 11), Elizabeth Banks' character discovers first-hand just how difficult carrying a child can be. (In fact, she comes to the harsh realization that "pregnancy sucks!") Luckily, it's what happens afterwards that makes it worth it.
"The most surprising part of motherhood for me is just my capacity for joy," says the 37-year-old actress, who's mom to 10-month-old son Felix with husband Max Handelman. "I did not know how much joy a kid could bring into your life. It's incredible."
Of course, motherhood does have its challenges -- especially when it comes to the precarious juggling act of also managing a career. "It's difficult to balance," Banks (who'll soon hit theaters on March 23 in the eagerly anticipated The Hunger Games) tells iVillage exclusively. "I think any working parent has a hard time being away from their child, whether it be a mom or a dad."
Watch our exclusive video to find out how Banks is seeing herself in her son and how she and husband keep their romance alive.
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