BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth (Sep 2024)

The effectiveness of interventions on improving body image for pregnant and postpartum women: a systematic review of randomized clinical trials

  • Mei-di Shen,
  • Rui-tong Gao,
  • Si-bing Chen,
  • Zhong-hang Xu,
  • Xiang-dong Ding

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-024-06787-3
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 24, no. 1
pp. 1 – 13

Abstract

Read online

Abstract Background Body image dissatisfaction, leading to a variety of negative emotions and adverse pregnancy or birth outcomes. Studies on body image interventions for pregnant and postpartum women have been reported, yielding mixed results. Existing evidence lacks a comprehensive review of the effectiveness of body image interventions for pregnant and postpartum women. Objective The aim of this study was to systematically review interventions which aimed at improving body image during pregnancy and postpartum in women of childbearing age, and further to explore their effectiveness. Methods A comprehensive literature search was conducted using electronic databases, including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, SinoMed, CNKI, and Wanfang Database, to retrieve relevant studies. Body image was reported employing descriptive analysis, whereas the Cochrane Handbook tool was used to evaluate the quality and potential bias of each included study. Results Following established inclusion and exclusion criteria, 11 studies were identified from an initial 1,422 records for further analysis, involving 1290 participants. This systematic review grouped body image interventions into lifestyle interventions and psychological interventions based on their content. These interventions yielded more pronounced positive effects on improving body image in pregnant and postpartum women when compared to control groups. And, the statistical difference on psychological interventions is more significant on the whole. Conclusions Our work offers a comprehensive overview of the effectiveness of body image interventions for pregnant and postpartum women. Psychological interventions are considered to be a suitable measure to improve body image for pregnant or postpartum women. Additional research and practical applications are recommended to enhance the mental health and well-being of perinatal women. Trial registration PROSPERO registry: CRD42024531531.

Keywords