Predictors of mothers\u2019 postpartum body dissatisfaction based on demographic and fertility factors

Mehrri Tavakoli,Leila Amiri Farahani,Seyedeh Batool Hasanpoor-Azghady

doi:10.1186/s12884-020-03501-x

Mehrri Tavakoli, Leila Amiri Farahani + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-020-03501-x

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Abstract

BackgroundThere are fundamental and rapid changes in body shape during pregnancy, some of which persist for an extended time after delivery and may cause dissatisfaction with body shape. Therefore, we conducted this study to determine predictors of body dissatisfaction at six months postpartum based on demographic and fertility factors.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted on 300 women who referred to seven health centers affiliated with Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. The sampling was multistage and we collected data from a demographic and fertility questionnaire and Cooper’s Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ-34). The independent t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, chi-square test, one-way ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis, Pearson correlation coefficient, and multiple linear regression were used for data analysis. The level of significance was set at P < 0.05.ResultsThe mean age of participating women was 29.77 (standard deviation: 5.9) years. Body dissatisfaction had a statistically significant association with variables such as body mass index (BMI) at six months postpartum, gestational age, the receipt of information about body shape, spouse’s views on the shape of a woman’s body, and mode of delivery. These variables predicted 34% of body dissatisfaction based on multiple linear regression.ConclusionPostpartum body dissatisfaction is related to a several variables. Paying attention to these variables will help to plan and improve postpartum counseling and educational programs.

Highlights

There are fundamental and rapid changes in body shape during pregnancy, some of which persist for an extended time after delivery and may cause dissatisfaction with body shape
The results of a systematic review showed that women who had better body image were more likely to breastfeed [8] and that women who breastfeed have a stronger relationship with their infants [9]
The results showed that body dissatisfaction had a significant relationship with variables such as body mass index (BMI) at six months postpartum, gestational age, receipt of information about body shape, spouse’s views on the shape of a woman’s body, and mode of delivery

Summary

Introduction

There are fundamental and rapid changes in body shape during pregnancy, some of which persist for an extended time after delivery and may cause dissatisfaction with body shape. Society expects women to Tavakoli et al BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth (2021) 21:8 body dissatisfaction is reported by many women during the postpartum period [7]. Swedish women often found it difficult to adapt to physical changes and expressed discontent with the looseness of their genitals and the size of their breasts [12]. The reactions to such changes depend on a variety of factors, including cultural and family attitudes, social factors such as visual media, and social normative pressures, standards, and definitions of social beauty [13]

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Conclusion