Psychosocial functioning, body image, and pregnancy related anxiety

Body image is a major concern for women, particularly those from westernized countries. Given the dramatic bodily changes that some women experience during pregnancy, this may evoke body dissatisfaction and psychological distress. Indeed, appearance-related fears is one of key aspects of pregnancy-related anxiety. This chapter examines some of the key sociocultural appearance-related pressures faced by pregnant women to maintain appearance-related standards during pregnancy and to return to their pre-pregnancy body weight/shape soon after birth. Furthermore, it provides an overview of the association between body dissatisfaction and three key indicators of distress during pregnancy (i.e., anxiety, depression, and eating disorder symptomatology), examines some of the methodological limitations in the studies conducted so far, and suggests useful directions for future research.

© 2022 selection and editorial matter, Rachel Dryer and Robyn Brunton; individual chapters, the contributors.

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