'I want other mums to know they're not alone' Woman warns of 'fourth trimester' with honest pic

A mum-of-three has taken to Instagram to share a very 'raw' and honest snap of her body post pregnancy, to show what a 'fourth trimester' body really looks like.

Elise Raquel posted the snap on Instagram, sharing the reality of a post-birth body in its 'most vulnerable state' with her 37.2k followers

Writing in the caption, the new mum said: 'It's a strange feeling to look down and still see a bump, even though you're holding your baby in your arms.'

'I had no idea you could still look so pregnant even after giving birth. Everyone told me I was young, I would bounce straight back, and I believed them.'

She went on to explain how it's taken her three babies to finally realise that a postpartum body isn't something to hide, adding: 'I am beyond proud for what this body has given and sacralised.'

The inspirational mum called on other women to understand that there's so much pressure from society and from ourselves to look a certain way post baby.

'I wish someone had posted a photo just like mine when I was pregnant,' she admitted.

'I wish that someone had told me what realistically might happen to my body and to my mind. '

'The fourth trimester is such a taboo topic. I want other mums also walking in my shoes to know that they're not alone.'

'That whatever their postpartum journey may be, it's ok, it's normal and it should always be praised!'

Following the post, the positive and thankful comments rolled in: 'I LOVE IT. I'm a new mama and you are bang on when you say nothing prepares you for the post birth,' posted one follower.

Another simply wrote: 'You are seriously my hero'.

This follower was very honest about how little she expected with after birth: 'I honestly didn't know anyone had a bump after giving birth. I have no clue what any of this looks like and it's exactly what I'm wondering about. Thank you.'

What do you think? Did you 'bounce back' or did you have a bump for a while after birth? Let us know in the comment box below.