Two in three women who have given birth in the last three years say they are still “recovering” from the experience, according to new research.
A survey of 2,000 women found that recovery after childbirth extends well beyond physical healing — into their mental and emotional health and other bodily changes.
The majority of those who had their last child at least two years ago still feel like they’re unofficially “recovering” (59%).
When it comes to physical recovery, the average respondent took four weeks to recover physically after giving birth and six weeks to recover mentally.
More than twice the percentage of moms said that it took them more than eight weeks to recover mentally than physically (43% vs. 17%).
Conducted by Talker Research for Intimina, the survey found that a majority of moms agree that no matter how hard you try, you can’t prepare for what to expect after giving birth (88%), including 87% of those who have done it more than once.
Forty-seven percent of those who previously gave birth said their most recent birth took longer to recover from than their first one, and the same percentage of all respondents said bouncing back was harder than they expected.
It took the average respondent six weeks to bounce back to having a similar body as before, going back to work and exercising; getting back to their routine was a bit easier to get the hang of at five weeks.
However, 62% haven’t bounced back to the person they were, personality-wise, before they had their last child.
Half of moms surveyed are learning that their body may never feel the same as it did prior to giving birth (51%).
Some of the changes to their body that respondents expected and experienced were hormonal changes (78%), fatigue and low energy (73%) and having stretch marks (70%).
Developing a shifted (18%) and weakened pelvic floor (17%) were less expected, but still commonly experienced.
Seven in 10 said their body is still changing after giving birth (72%), including 61% of those who have given birth at least two years ago.
“There’s a wide gap between what women are told to expect after giving birth and what they actually experience,” said Dunja Kokotovic, global brand manager at Intimina. “From weakened pelvic floors to persistent fatigue and emotional shifts, these are real, lasting effects that deserve more attention — not just from new moms, but from the people and systems around them.”
When asked about what other things respondents wish someone told them about prior to childbirth, words that would have helped include: “you don’t have to rush to feel normal,” “recovery can be just as intense as the birth itself” and to “give yourself grace even in the days that feel like you aren’t doing your best.”
While they voice the advice that they wish they heard encouragement for more self-care, 79% would feel guilty if they spent more time caring for themselves.
Further, nearly half admit their self-care habits worsened after giving birth (48%).
The average mom surveyed sets time aside to care for their body just three days a week, although a quarter don’t set aside any time for this.
Nearly two-thirds would spend more time taking care of their body post-birth if they knew how to (63%).
“Caring for your body after birth isn’t a luxury — it’s a necessity,” said Kokotovic. “That includes everything from pelvic floor exercises and proper nutrition to giving yourself permission to rest, ask for help and set realistic expectations. Your recovery deserves as much support and care as your pregnancy.”