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It's never the same: A new study on pregnancy and body image
20.10.2023 14:50
Updated: 13.05.2024 21:22
Pregnancy and motherhood is often romanticized, but real women don't always like how they look, and it affects them a lot.
A recent study has uncovered differences in how pregnancy can affect women's feelings about their bodies, including negative body image.
This is crucial because feeling bad about one's body during pregnancy can have lots of consequences for both the mom and the baby.
How it was tested
The experiment found that the average level of dissatisfaction with body image during pregnancy is pretty similar to that of ladies who aren't pregnant.
However, when researchers looked at individual studies, they discovered that there are lots of differences in how ladies feel about their bodies during pregnancy.
The specialists think that body image dislike during pregnancy is influenced by various factors, both good and bad.
Some ladies might feel worse about their bodies during pregnancy because they perceive themselves as "getting fat."
Others may feel a lack of control over their changing bodies.
Unrealistic images of pregnant ladies in the media, often edited to hide imperfections, can also contribute to negative self-esteem.
On the other hand, some pregnant women experience an improvement in body positivity.
They may no longer compare their looks to the "ideal" body type and instead focus on the functionality of their bodies, particularly the health of the baby and their role as mothers.
Why it's important
Comprehending why body image dissatisfaction happens during pregnancy is essential because it can have significant effects on the mental and physical well-being of both the mother and the baby.
Pregnant ladies who experience dissatisfaction with their bodies are at a higher risk of developing depression and anxiety. These emotional challenges can have enduring consequences for both the mother and the child.
