BookmarkBookmarkTickBookmarkAddCheckBoxFilledCheckBoxCircleBumpCheckedFilledMedical

Why Positive Body Image During Pregnancy Is Crucial, According to Experts

It may be a strong indicator on what the postpartum period will be like.
save article
profile picture of Stephanie Grassullo
By Stephanie Grassullo, Contributing Writer
Published May 23, 2019
pregnant woman thinking about body image
Image: Laurie Marks

Learning to love your body during pregnancy may not only benefit you, but your relationship with baby too, according to researchers at York University.

We get it. Your body almost seems like a stranger to you during the months leading up to baby’s due date. You’re gassy, peeing all the time, have a swollen vagina—the list of the surprising ways your body changes during pregnancy goes on and on. But practicing self-love and appreciating the wonders of your body may be good for you in the long run. And experts can benefit all moms and their future children by picking up on these cues.

Researchers say by assessing a woman’s relationship with her body during pregnancy, they could help predict how well the mother might bond with her unborn baby and her longer-term emotional wellbeing. After analyzing the study’s results, they think it would be beneficial to introduce a standardized method of assessing women’s feelings towards their changing bodies. One such method, the BUMPS method, which was developed by scientists at the University of York and Anglia Ruskin University, is a self-reporting system based on questions relating to satisfaction with appearance, weight gain concerns and the physical burdens of pregnancy.

After surveying more than 600 pregnant women using the BUMPS questionnaire, the findings show women who felt more positively about their body changes in pregnancy were more likely to have better relationships with their partners, lower depression and anxiety scores and were better at interpreting their bodily signals.

Women took the questionnaires during each trimester of pregnancy. Questions ranged from the type of clothes that a woman chose to wear during pregnancy to concerns about the size of their bump, as well as other frustrations they might have over physical appearance or capabilities.

High scores from the questionnaire were a strong indicator of whether a pregnant woman would have a positive attachment to her child. Low scores suggested they may need additional emotional support during pregnancy and after baby is born to monitor for postpartum depression.

“Women are under constant pressure about their appearance and during pregnancy and after birth is no exception,” says Catherine Preston, BSc, an expert in body image from the University of York’s Department of Psychology. “It is important therefore that pregnancy care is not just about the physical health of the mother and the health of the unborn child, but also about women’s emotional wellbeing, which can give us a lot of important information about how they might react to being a new mom in the longer-term.”

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.

save article
Article removed.
Name added. View Your List
ADVERTISEMENT

Next on Your Reading List

best belly bands-hero
8 Best Pregnancy Belly Bands to Support Your Bump
By Emma O'Regan-Reidy
pregnant woman applying lotion to belly
How Your Pregnant Belly Will Change During Each Trimester
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
How to Choose the Best Prenatal Vitamins-hero
How to Choose the Best Prenatal Vitamins
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
ADVERTISEMENT
close up of pregnant woman's belly with stretch marks
Can You Prevent Pregnancy Stretch Marks? Here’s the Deal
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
pregnant woman fixing bra
8 Ways Breasts Change During Pregnancy
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
pregnant woman holding a glass of water near belly
How to Treat a UTI During Pregnancy
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
Prenatal Vitamins: Benefits and Side Effects
Prenatal Vitamins: Benefits and Side Effects
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
ADVERTISEMENT
Say Ahh: Why Going to the Dentist While Pregnant Is So Important
Say Ahh: Why Going to the Dentist While Pregnant Is So Important
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
woman putting on compression socks
The Best Compression Socks for Pregnancy
By Danielle Halibey
close up of bare pregnant belly
Body Dysmorphia in Pregnancy: How to Combat Negative Body Image
By Lauren Barth
ADVERTISEMENT
bio oil
Best of Pregnancy Winner for Best Body Oil
By The Bump Editors
earth mama mineral sunscreen
Best of Pregnancy Winner for Best Pregnancy-Safe Sunscreen
By The Bump Editors
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Zinc Oxide Sunscreen SPF 51
Best of Pregnancy Winner: Reader’s Favorite Pregnancy-Safe Sunscreen
By The Bump Editors
ADVERTISEMENT
Best of Pregnancy: Juice Beauty Pregnancy Skincare
Best of Pregnancy Winner for Best Pregnancy-Safe Skincare Brand
By The Bump Editors
Honest Me Moment Soaking Salts
Best of Pregnancy Winner for Best Pregnancy Bath Salts
By The Bump Editors
Best of pregnancy: Pink Stork morning sickness sweets
Best of Pregnancy Winner for Best Morning Sickness Relief
By The Bump Editors
Mama Mio tummy rub butter
Best of Pregnancy Winner for Best Belly Butter
By The Bump Editors
ADVERTISEMENT
Best of Pregnancy: Beauty Counter mascara
Best of Pregnancy Winner for Best Pregnancy-Safe Makeup Brand
By The Bump Editors
close up of sun shining on pregnant belly with dark background
PSA for Expectant Moms: What I Learned From My Second Pregnancy
By Adriana Quaranto
Model and influencer Hunter McGrady welcomes her first baby.
Hunter McGrady on Misconceptions Around Pregnancy for Plus-Size Women
By Nehal Aggarwal
ADVERTISEMENT
Article removed.