Factors related to dissatisfaction with body shape among pregnant Japanese women: A prospective observational study

Abstract

Introduction

Body shape changes during pregnancy may cause fetal growth restriction and low birth weight. Therefore, this study determined physical, psychological, and social factors associated with body shape satisfaction during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy.

Methods

This prospective observational study used data from the Japan Pregnancy Eating and Activity Cohort Study. We collected data pertaining to pregnant women in their second and third trimesters from web-based questionnaires and medical records. The factors related to body shape satisfaction in the second and third trimesters were determined using multiple logistic regression analysis.

Results

Among 910 pregnant women, women with obesity before pregnancy (second trimester [T2]: adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.79, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.42–5.49; third trimester [T3]: aOR = 2.76, 95% CI = 1.32–5.77), those dissatisfied with their body shape before pregnancy (T2: aOR = 5.04, 95% CI = 3.60–7.08; T3: aOR = 1.91, 95% CI = 1.33–2.74), those with a history of smoking (T2: aOR = 2.84, 95% CI = 1.12–7.24; T3: aOR = 1.95, 95% CI = 1.07–3.40), those who did not hope for pregnancy (T2: aOR = 5.85, 95% CI = 1.04–32.89), and those with a heavy burden of household/caregiving activities (T3: aOR = 1.01, 95% CI: 1.00–1.02) were at a higher risk of being dissatisfied with their body shape.

Conclusions

This study revealed the factors associated with body shape dissatisfaction among pregnant women. Further research is needed to understand the psychological impact of body shape dissatisfaction on pregnant women.