The secret behind celebrities 'bounce-back' bodies after giving birth: Expert says it's thanks to pre-pregnancy fitness, genetic skin elasticity and regular exercise and diet

From Margot Robbie to Ellie Goulding, a number of celebrities in recent months have displayed remarkable physiques shortly after giving birth - prompting fans to ask, just what is their 'secret'?

Only a month after welcoming son Remy Valentine Matthews with husband Spencer Matthews, Irish presenter Vogue Williams, 40, shared Instagram footage showing off her toned stomach and abs.

And she's not the only A-list mother who has attracted attention for their remarkably toned post-partum physiques - from stars like Candice Swanepoel, Miranda Kerr and Blake Lively.

According to Dr Riaz Agha, a medical expert and consultant plastic surgeon at Harley Clinic Group, it's unlikely washboard abs after pregnancy are the work of a plastic surgeon, especially since procedures like liposuction and tummy tucks are off the table right after giving birth.

Instead, he said it is entirely possible to naturally regain a flat stomach post-pregnancy, if mothers wish to.

During pregnancy, a growing womb stretches the skin and abdominal wall - especially with twins or larger babies - though results vary. After delivery, the abdomen changes as the womb shrinks and fluids shed, which is entirely different from losing fat.

Vogue Williams, 40, welcomed her fourth child, son Remy Valentine Matthews, with husband Spencer Matthews in September 2026

Just three weeks later, the Irish presenter attracted attention after sharing Instagram footage showing off her toned stomach and abs. Source: Instagram / @voguewilliams 

A woman's pre-pregnancy fitness, muscle structure, fat distribution and genetic skin elasticity heavily influence her recovery.

He continued: 'Some women have relatively little loose skin; others have lasting changes despite being active and eating well. A flat-looking stomach is not a reliable measure of how completely someone has recovered.'

So, what exactly is behind these celebrities' seemingly miraculous transformations? Is it good genes, years of fitness, diet and discipline, or could clever cosmetic treatments - perhaps even the minimally invasive kind - be helping along the way?

Looking at other natural ways the body recovers, Dr. Riaz highlights the role of breastfeeding.

He said: 'Producing breast milk uses energy, and breastfeeding also stimulates contractions of the womb. The womb will shrink after birth whether or not someone breastfeeds.

'Breastfeeding can contribute to weight loss, but it does not guarantee it. Research has found modest average differences in weight loss, rather than a predictable result for every mother. It does not selectively remove fat from the stomach or tighten loose abdominal skin.'

A balanced diet and regular exercise also work together to support postpartum weight loss.

According to Dr Riaz, eating well helps your body recover, and slowly adding exercise builds strength and fitness. As your total body fat drops, your stomach muscles become more visible.

Victoria's Secret model Candice Swanepoel, 37, returned to the brand's runway in November 2018, just five months after welcoming her second son, Ariel, in June 2017

However, the model acknowledged that getting back into shape was a process, saying she was excited to feel strong again while reminding other mothers to give themselves time to recover

Supermodel Miranda Kerr, 43, welcomed her fourth son, Pierre, with husband Evan Spiegel in February 2024. Source: Instagram / @mirandakerr

By November that year, she was showcasing her figure in a striking, figure-hugging pink feathered gown

However, he warned: 'Abdominal exercises can strengthen muscles, but they should not be presented as a guaranteed way to remove fat specifically from the stomach.

'Nor can a particular diet promise a flat abdomen: loose skin or abdominal muscle separation may remain even after weight loss.'

The expert also highlights how genetics, your pre-pregnancy shape, and pregnancy itself all affect how your body stores fat.

He said: 'Inherited traits influence body shape and where we store fat. They are part of the picture, alongside someone’s condition before pregnancy and the changes caused by pregnancy.

He further advised: 'After a straightforward birth, gentle activity such as walking can begin when someone feels ready.

'Returning to strenuous exercise needs to take account of the delivery, healing and any symptoms, particularly after a caesarean or complicated birth. A maternity professional or health physiotherapist can advise.

'In the early weeks, adequate nutrition and healing should take priority over trying to achieve rapid weight loss.'

The consultant also warned that visible abdominal definition does not necessarily mean the muscles have fully recovered.

Ellie Goulding, 39, welcomed her second child, a daughter named Iris Edaline, with boyfriend Beau Minniear on 6 March 2026

By September, she was showing off a toned figure and flat stomach while on holiday, attracting attention for her post-pregnancy look

Blake Lively and husband Ryan Reynolds welcomed their fourth child, son Olin, in February 2023

By April 2023, just two months later, the 39-year-old actress was sharing holiday snaps in cut-out swimwear and a patterned bikini, while also stepping out in a striking brown leather dress

Margot Robbie welcomed her first child, a baby boy with husband Tom Ackerley, in October 2024

By August 2025, she had returned to the red carpet in a fitted black minidress, before making headlines again in September in a daring, sheer Armani Privé gown that highlighted her figure

He said: 'Visible definition tells us about the surface appearance. It does not establish abdominal strength, pelvic-floor recovery or whether there is separation between the abdominal muscles.'

He explained how, during pregnancy, the connective tissue between the two sides of the abdominal muscles stretches and widens.

This separation, called diastasis recti, often improves after birth but can persist. Ongoing bulging, discomfort or concerns about abdominal function should have an assessment, he warned.

Finally, Dr Riaz notes a rising trend among new mothers trying to shed post-pregnancy pounds: non-surgical treatments are becoming a go-to option.

He said: 'Some non-surgical treatments can improve the contour in suitable patients.

'Fat-freezing and certain heat-based devices can reduce small fat bulges. Some radiofrequency treatments may make skin look tighter, while magnetic muscle-stimulation devices may improve tone or firmness.'

However, he warned of risks and varying results, adding: 'These are not weight-loss treatments. They do not remove excess skin or provide the same repair as surgery. Results vary and may require several sessions or maintenance.

'There are risks, including burns with some heat-based devices and, rarely, growth of fat in the treated area after fat-freezing. Fat-freezing should not be performed over or near a hernia or an area of abdominal-wall weakness, including muscle separation.

'Recent childbirth, healing after a caesarean and breastfeeding need to be considered when assessing suitability. There is no basis for attributing any of these treatments to the celebrities pictured.'

He added: 'A photograph captures how someone looks, not the whole recovery. A flatter stomach is not proof of surgery, and a softer stomach is not evidence that someone has failed to look after themselves. Recovery should be guided by healing, comfort and function, with advice suited to the individual.'