Body Appreciation, Depressive Symptoms, and Self-Esteem in Pregnant and Postpartum Brazilian Women

Abstract

BackgroundDuring pregnancy and the postpartum period, women experience tremendous biopsychosocial changes in a short period of time. Poor body appreciation, depressive symptoms, and low self-esteem during the perinatal period may cause negative consequences for both the mother and the infant's physiological and psychological health. The aim of this study was to analyze the differences in body appreciation, depressive symptoms, and self-esteem between the three gestational trimesters and the postpartum period.MethodsParticipants (N = 1,423 pregnant and postpartum Brazilian women), aged between 18 and 42 years old (M = 29.22; SD = ±5.72), answered questionnaires on body appreciation, depressive symptoms, and self-esteem. BMI was self-reported. Descriptive and nonparametric covariance analysis were performed, comparing women who were in the first, second, and third trimesters and the postpartum period.ResultsBody appreciation was significantly higher among women in the third trimester compared to those in the first and second trimester. However, it was lower for women in all three gestational trimesters than for those in the postpartum. There was no difference in self-esteem during pregnancy, but it was significantly lower in the postpartum group. Similarly, depressive symptoms did not vary through pregnant groups but it was significantly higher in the postpartum group.ConclusionsThe results showed that the postpartum period can be a difficult experience for women. They presented poor body appreciation and lower self-esteem and higher depressive symptoms compared to the pregnancy period. Therefore, it is necessary for public health policies to support women in this period, preserving their mental health and making this experience more positive.

Pregorexia: a systematic review and meta-analysis on the constructs of body image dissatisfaction and eating disturbances by gestational age in the peripartum

“…Considering the included studies pertaining to this topic, moderate support was found in favor of a role for depression in worsening body image during pregnancy—that is, women with depression had a higher likelihood of being unsatisfied with their body image [ 67 , 98 – 105 ]. This relationship was also true for the postpartum [ 106 , 107 ]. Importantly, the association between body image dissatisfaction and postpartum depression seems to be transcultural [ 102 , 106 , 108 – 115 ].…”

“…This relationship was also true for the postpartum [ 106 , 107 ]. Importantly, the association between body image dissatisfaction and postpartum depression seems to be transcultural [ 102 , 106 , 108 – 115 ]. Contrasting evidence, however, was offered by three studies, which found no relationship between these body image concerns and depressive symptoms (as assessed by the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale—CESD, the Patient Health Questionnaire—PHQ, the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales—DASS, the Body Cathexis Scale—BCS, the Body Shape Questionnaire—BSQ, and the Ben-Tovim–Walker Body Attitudes Questionnaire—BAQ [ 93 , 116 , 117 ]).…”

Assessment of sexual and body esteem in postpartum women with or without perineal laceration: a cross-sectional study with cultural translation and validation of the Vaginal Changes Sexual and Body Esteem Scale

“…Scarring that alters the aesthetics of the genital region, the fear of potential vaginal "looseness," and media influences all appear to be relevant factors affecting postpartum women's sexual health and sexuality. (3)(4)(5) Assessing mothers in terms of perceived genital changes and postpartum genital self-image is clinically important, as the impact of these changes can adversely affect sexual health and quality of life; (6) 30-70% of postpartum women reported a lower self-esteem after delivery; (7) a study performed in Iran has demonstrated a reduction of feeling sexually attractive after delivery, especially women that reported vaginal laxity. (8) The Vaginal Changes Sexual and Body Esteem Scale (VSBE) was developed to help healthcare professionals identify women with potential vaginal and/or anal alterations resulting from pelvic organ prolapse and was subsequently pilot tested in a population of postpartum women with perineal injuries.…”