Understanding positive body image during pregnancy and postpartum: A systematic review
Hannah Griffin
School of Human and Social Sciences
Supervisors:
Professor Caroline Lafarge
Graduate School
Dr Lee Usher
School of Human and Social Sciences
Dr Leanne McDonald
School of Human and Social Sciences
Background:
The perinatal period is a complex time for body image, as the body undergoes vast biopsychosocial changes. Positive body image surrounds an individual in love and respect for their body, protecting against body image-related threats. Currently, there is a lack of consensus in our understanding of positive body image during pregnancy and postpartum.
Aims:
To identify, appraise, and synthesise relevant evidence, to gain an understanding of positive body image during the perinatal period.
Methods:
A mixed methods systematic review was conducted per preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis guidelines. A two-step search strategy was implemented, 1) a search of bibliographic databases PsycINFO, PsycARTICLES, Academic Search Elite, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and CINAHL 2) screened reference lists of studies selected for critical appraisals. Eligible studies included any qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods studies published since 2010 on participants over 18 who are either currently pregnant or less than one year postpartum and interested in the elements and attributes of positive body image, defined by Wood-Barcalow et al. (2010).
Results:
Twenty-five studies were included in this review; 8 qualitative and 17 quantitative. Findings highlighted the complexity of body image during pregnancy and postpartum. We found positive body image was most commonly reported as protective and appreciation of the body’s functionality far outweighed appreciation of the body’s appearance. The importance of female genital self-image when discussing positive body image in pregnant/ postpartum populations was also discussed. During postpartum research reported an association between breastfeeding ability and positive body image.
Conclusions:
Positive body image is associated with favourable psychological outcomes across pregnancy and postpartum mainly through the appreciation of body functionality. Further research is needed to look at postpartum positive body image separate from breastfeeding and those unable to breastfeed may require additional support from both healthcare providers and loved ones.