The Relationship of Body Image with Depression and Self-esteem in Pregnant Women

Pregnancy, due to hormonal changes and body reshaping, might disturb the pregnant women’s body image and self-esteem and also increase depression susceptibility.Body dissatisfaction may result in some compensating attempts, such as weight loss, for improving body shape. These behaviors could result in serious outcomes for maternal and child health. The aim of the present study was to evaluate body satisfaction and its relationship with some indicators of mental health (depression, and self- esteem) in pregnant women. In this cross-sectional study, 255 pregnant women referred to health centers were studied by using standard questionnaires for body satisfaction, depression (Beck Depression Inventory) and self- esteem (Rosenberg questionnaire). Data analysis was performed through SPSS-16 software package and using coefficient of correlation, Chisquare, ANOVA and linear regression. The mean age of participants was 29.1± 6.4 years. In whole, 48.7% had body dissatisfaction and 30% had some degrees of depression. There was a significant negative relationship between depression and having a good body image (r= -0.230, p<0.01). Self-esteem showed a significant positive relationship with body satisfaction (r= 0.125, p<0.01). With respect to the effects of psychosocial factors on body image, in anyplanning for improvement of pregnant women’s health, special attention to body image is highly recommended.