Mmmmmmmmm........ Well, yes there are hassles of joint family system, certain pressures and expectations, but the horrible picture of the in laws znd the husbands you have painted doesn't stand true for the whole culture.
These are not always men who want their wives to go to their parent's house. In various circumstances, women themselves are more interested in living in their parents' house.
Regarding home chores and daily tasks, I would say that these things have always been a part of our lives throughout generations. If the case is not really the one that need excessive care, chores, moppong or cleaning do not cause hazards for the pregnancy.
Another thing is that comparing our culture with that of the Western developed world, financial circumstances have huge say in it. It is not affordable for many households to be arrange maids for chores and so it has to be done by the pregnant women themselves.
There is a lack of understanding about the hassels of pregnancy from the man's side. Yeah, it is, but I won't say that the mostly men are puppet or mistreating. Men do take care in their paternal capacities and cultural influences. Of course, all the fingres aren't equal. So are men and thus are women.
Again, there are all kind of circumstances individuals may pass through. For a portion of population your content may stand 100 percent true, but I won't agree with it as a representative of the whole nation.
And in most cases Sasu Maa can't help as her dignity will take a hit. Also, Nanad are either too busy, or young, or raise with too much comfort zone or just don't care.
It's like there r unwritten rules to make the motherhood difficult.
I added disclaimer while I may agree with some parts of your comment, but I highly believe that women of Pakistan ain't gonna accept what's happening to them. They don't even share their problems with their parents and siblings so I can be sure that they r gonna accept the truth. They also try to hide it to save their HOME which is most cases isn't worth saving at all even FOR THE SAKE OF THE KIDS.
There seems to be an impact of Indian dramas in this narrative.
I am married for more than 12 years, a mother of 2 childre and an aunt of many, living in a huge joint family, have witnessed and observed several other joint families and women's life. Lemme tell you something Qasim, while there are certain conflict causing circumstances, there is so much stereotyping too about these relationships. That stereotyping creates a great impact in creating a narrative for the relationships in our lives. We overlook the goodness from these relationships and amplify the negative aspects. Consequently, it feels like the things are terrible for the woman in question. It's not just the woman herself, but the people in her surroundings that let her feel terrible about herself. I have seen mother-in-laws and and nands be supportive, yet still be blamed for the little they leave out in meeting the expectations of the bahu.
Relationships are not about individuality. They are about the teamwork. Teams build on coordination and support, not on ME FIRST.
Before talking about our culture, let's talk about the West that is generally considered ideal for the woman. There are several women who get pregnant out of wedlock. They have no one to care for them during the critical time. They not only have to cater with chores but have to meet the financial needs too, of their own and of their baby. They, then have to bring up their children all alone. Doesn't their condition seem miserable?
I won't say, THE MOST CASES, but yes, in SOME CASES, the home is not the thing that deserve to be protected but the individual (which can either be the man or the woman).
Do you know what in most cases is needed to be done..... Rule out misunderstandings and develop greater understanding of each other.
Reading my comment you may think I have had a rosy marital life but that's not the case. I have my shares of misiries, but as I have started seeing things from a little above, the landscape seems different.
@amberkashif I am adding a disclaimer to adjust the narrative.