Kate Middleton post-baby body: Why did Kate still look pregnant? (Video)

Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, appeared less than 27 hours after giving birth in front of the media, cameras, reporters, and the whole world. 

Still visibly tired and exhausted, Kate Middleton and her husband Prince William looked as happy and proud as any new parents when they stood outside of St. Mary’s Hospital at 7:14 p.m. on July 23, 2013.

Kate Middleton and Prince William’s son George Alexander Louis was born at 4:24 p.m. on July 22, 2013, weighing 8 pounds, 6 ounces.

He's "got way more hair than me, thank God," said Prince William proudly about his new son. "He's got a good pair of lungs on him that's for sure. He's a good boy, he's quite heavy."

As for the little heir's fashionably late arrival, Prince William told reporters that "I'll remind him of his tardiness when he's a bit older. I know how long you've all been standing here, so hopefully the hospital and you guys can all go back to normal now and we can go and look after him."

For Kate Middleton, her eyes, her smile, her hands, and her body posture said more than any words could have expressed – she was proud to be a mother.

The worldwide fascination about the scene in front of St. Mary’s Hospital was not about Kate Middleton or Prince William but the joy that parents feel.

It is a joy that millions of women are hoping for, paying millions of dollars for, and praying for.

Evidently, Kate Middleton was not concerned that less than 27 hours after she received the most precious gift – a healthy baby – her body did not live up to the expectations of some idolized picture of what a woman should look like.

First of all, every woman’s body is different and will react differently after birth. While some women might look like they never even had a child right after birth, other women will continue to look like they are still pregnant for weeks after giving birth.

Secondly, Kate Middleton chose to dress healthy as well as stylish. The above-the-knee dress, featuring cap sleeves and a gently gathered empire waist, was a custom creation by Jenny Packham and gave her body room to breathe.

Third, and most importantly, according to the Mayo Clinic, the recommended weight gain for a woman during pregnancy ranges from 37 to 54 pounds (about 17 to 25 kilograms).

Where does pregnancy weight gain go?

"Let's say your baby weighs in at 7 or 8 pounds (about 3 to 3.6 kilograms). That accounts for some of your pregnancy weight gain. What about the rest? Here's a sample breakdown:

• Baby: 7 to 8 pounds (about 3 to 3.6 kilograms)
• Larger breasts: 2 pounds (about 1 kilogram)
• Larger uterus: 2 pounds (about 1 kilogram)
• Placenta: 1 1/2 pounds (about 0.7 kilogram)
• Amniotic fluid: 2 pounds (about 1 kilogram)
• Increased blood volume: 3 to 4 pounds (about 1.4 to 1.8 kilograms)
• Increased fluid volume: 3 to 4 pounds (about 1.4 to 1.8 kilograms)
• Fat stores: 6 to 8 pounds (about 2.7 to 3.6 kilograms)"

In addition to the weight gain and the many changes a woman’s body has to undergo if she wants a healthy baby, a mother’s body will take its time to transition from pregnancy to post-baby body.

Since a woman’s uterus has grown and stretched during pregnancy to accommodate the baby, it can take about three to four weeks for it to return to its pre-pregnancy shape and size. This is what makes a woman look as though she is still pregnant after giving birth.

Undoubtedly, Prince William chose a mother for his child, not a model that has to live up to some idolized expectations. It would be interesting to hear what other men have to say.

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Kate Middleton: Breastfeeding and no nanny – a typical European mother with an atypical occupation shown on her son’s birth certificate, ‘Princess of the United Kingdom’

Prince George's first two official photos with Kate Middleton, Prince William, dogs Tilly and Lupo, break with tradition: Photos taken by Kate's father, Michael Middleton, in the family's backyard