Pregnancy and childbirth bring major physical and hormonal changes, and expecting women to quickly return to their pre-pregnancy body can create unrealistic pressure. The discussion has resurfaced following scrutiny of Katrina Kaif’s post-pregnancy appearance, prompting renewed attention to what postpartum recovery actually involves.
Gynaecologist Dr Kiran Coelho explains that the idea of “bouncing back” immediately after childbirth does not reflect how the body naturally recovers. Pregnancy affects multiple systems in the body, and recovery is a gradual process rather than something that should follow a fixed deadline.
Postpartum weight can also take time to change. According to Dr Coelho, returning to pre-pregnancy weight may take at least six months, although the timeline can vary considerably from one woman to another. Factors such as pregnancy-related changes, delivery, breastfeeding, sleep, nutrition, physical activity and overall recovery can influence the process.
The focus after childbirth should therefore extend beyond the number on a weighing scale. Adequate nutrition, rest, gradual physical activity when medically appropriate and emotional support are important parts of recovery. New mothers may also need time for hormonal changes and physical healing following delivery.
Social media and celebrity images can make rapid postpartum transformation appear normal, but individual recovery does not follow a universal timeline. Comparing a new mother’s body with another woman’s appearance can add unnecessary pressure during an already demanding period.
Families can support postpartum recovery by prioritising the mother’s health, helping with daily responsibilities and avoiding comments that focus solely on weight or appearance. Medical guidance can help determine when exercise, dietary changes or other recovery measures are appropriate for an individual woman.