KARACHI: Veteran actor Rubina Ashraf has urged husbands and in-laws to show greater compassion and understanding towards women during pregnancy and after childbirth, highlighting the emotional challenges many new mothers experience.
Speaking in an interview, Rubina said women often need additional emotional and practical support during the postpartum period, particularly from their husbands and in-laws.
She said society should understand issues such as postpartum depression and pregnancy-related emotional changes rather than dismissing them or offering unsolicited advice.
Rubina noted that previous generations had limited awareness of postpartum mental health, meaning many women may have faced emotional difficulties without adequate support or understanding.
The actor also discussed the physical and emotional changes associated with pregnancy, saying that changes in a woman’s body and appearance can sometimes contribute to anxiety and mixed emotions.
She pointed out that marriage itself can be a major transition for women, especially when they move away from their familiar surroundings and begin living with a new family. In such circumstances, supportive behaviour from those around them becomes particularly important.
Rubina encouraged women to ask for help when they need it, stressing that seeking assistance is not a sign of weakness. She said becoming a parent for the first time is a major life transition and women should not be expected to manage its challenges alone.
Other Pakistani actors, including Zara Noor Abbas and Sarwat Gilani, have also spoken publicly about their experiences and the emotional challenges associated with pregnancy and motherhood.
The growing discussion among public figures highlights the importance of creating supportive and understanding family environments for new mothers, particularly during the postpartum period.
