Veteran actor Rubina Ashraf has urged husbands and in-laws to show greater compassion towards women experiencing postpartum depression, pregnancy blues and the emotional challenges that can accompany motherhood.

Speaking in an interview, the actor said new mothers often need understanding and practical support from those closest to them, particularly their husbands and in-laws.

“I feel those who are around her, especially her in-laws and husband, should be more compassionate. Being alone in that span of time and after is difficult,” Rubina said.

She stressed that families should seek to understand what mothers are experiencing rather than dismissing their emotions or responding with unsolicited advice.

Rubina said pregnancy and the postpartum period involve real physical and emotional challenges that previous generations often faced without adequate awareness or support.

“Pregnancy, postpartum, pregnancy blues, these are very real things,” she said, recalling how women in earlier generations were sometimes expected to accept such difficulties without question.

The actor said the lack of awareness about maternal mental health meant many women had to endure emotional struggles privately.

She reflected on the experiences of previous generations, saying many mothers had faced hardships that were never openly discussed or properly understood.

Rubina also spoke about the dramatic physical changes that occur during pregnancy. From changes in hair and skin to transformations in the body, she said the experience can become overwhelming and contribute to anxiety and mixed emotions.

“When a woman goes through pregnancy, from her hair to her body to her skin, everything is changing. That can be a heavy feeling with lots of anxiety,” she explained.

She further pointed out that marriage itself can represent a major transition for women. Moving away from a familiar home and adjusting to a new family can create additional emotional pressure, particularly when women expect support from those around them.

Spain Reintroduces Border Controls on Italy Flights After Migration Dispute

Rubina said women may struggle when they encounter unexpected attitudes or reactions from people they believe will stand beside them during difficult periods.

She encouraged women entering motherhood for the first time to seek assistance whenever they need it, stressing that asking for help should not be viewed as a weakness.

“Women should know that they can always ask for help,” she said, emphasising that becoming a parent for the first time represents a major change in a woman’s life.

Rubina’s comments add to a growing conversation among Pakistani actors about the emotional realities of pregnancy and motherhood. Actors Zara Noor Abbas and Sarwat Gilani have also spoken publicly about their experiences, including the challenges associated with postpartum mental health.

Their willingness to discuss such personal experiences has helped bring greater public attention to issues that many women continue to face privately.

The conversation also highlights the importance of creating supportive family environments for new mothers, where emotional difficulties are taken seriously and women feel comfortable asking for help without fear of judgement.

For Rubina, greater awareness begins within the home, with husbands and family members recognising that motherhood can involve challenges that require patience, empathy and meaningful support.