Does Appearance Matter during Pregnancy? A Cross-Sectional Study of Body Satisfaction from Pre-Pregnancy to Late Gestation

Abstract

Few studies have explored the associations between body satisfaction and physical activity and weight gain during pregnancy, and none have been conducted in Scandinavia. Hence, the aim of the present study was to evaluate changes in body satisfaction from pre-pregnancy to late pregnancy and investigate whether this differed according to parity. We also wanted to explore the association between body satisfaction and physical activity and weight gain among pregnant women in Norway. This cross-sectional survey used an electronic questionnaire to assess physical activity level, weight gain and women’s satisfaction with body weight and size. In total, 150 pregnant women answered the questionnaire. Related-samples Wilcoxon signed rank tests, Mann–Whitney U tests and chi-square tests were used to answer our research questions. The proportion of women who were dissatisfied with their body weight and shape increased from pre-pregnancy to late gestation (body weight p = 0.030 and body shape p = 0.040). Body dissatisfaction before and during pregnancy was linked to weight gain above recommendations. Characterising oneself as physically active prior to pregnancy was associated with satisfaction with body shape pre-pregnancy. Given that mothers strongly influence how a child will judge their body later in life, the results of this study underline the importance of addressing these issues during pregnancy.