Heavy Burdens: Study evaluates The Weight of Stigma on Expecting Mothers

Weight stigma significantly affects pregnant women regardless of their BMI, potentially impairing their physical and mental health. As the prevalence of obesity in reproductive-age women rises globally, recent scoping review explores women’s perceptions and experiences related to weight stigma during pregnancy. A systematic framework guided the review, analyzing 85 peer-reviewed primary studies across diverse methodologies, predominantly qualitative. The analysis revealed four primary themes: experiences with healthcare providers, family and friends, societal influences, and media representations. A substantial portion of the studies highlighted a troubling trend of stigmatization by healthcare providers, with 65 out of 85 studies indicating that many pregnant women with obesity reported negative comments and dismissive attitudes. Such experiences foster feelings of inferiority and anxiety regarding their health and that of their infants, often resulting in increased gestational weight gain (GWG) and postpartum weight retention.

Impact of Relationships

The review also examined how close relationships impact women’s body image and perceptions of weight gain. Negative comments from family and friends regarding weight gain contribute to body dissatisfaction among pregnant women. For example, many reported that family members pressured them regarding dietary choices or comparisons to an idealized pregnancy weight. Notably, 64.9% of participants encountered judgements from these close relations.

Societal Influences

Societal attitudes further exacerbate stigma by imposing unrealistic standards of appearance and behavior. Many women reported experiencing derogatory remarks in public and felt that their overweight status invited negative perceptions. The stigma is often rooted in race and class disparities, with lower-income women identifying barriers to access healthy lifestyle resources recommended by healthcare providers.

Media Influence

Media portrayal also plays a critical role in perpetuating weight stigmatization. The analysis found that 11 studies focused on media influences, noting that unrealistic and narrow representations of pregnant bodies in various media forms led some women to feel inadequate and pressured to conform to societal ideals.

Conclusion and Recommendations

Finally, this review underscores the need for comprehensive awareness and training regarding weight stigma among healthcare professionals and society at large. Addressing stigma is crucial for enhancing mother and child health outcomes, as well as for promoting supportive social environments. Furthermore, it points to the necessity of further research to encompass diverse populations, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, to ensure that all women’s experiences of weight stigma are adequately represented and addressed.

Key Points

- -Weight Stigma Impact-: Weight stigma adversely affects pregnant women across all BMI categories, impacting both physical and mental health. The increasing prevalence of obesity among reproductive-age women necessitates a closer examination of their experiences and perceptions regarding weight stigma in pregnancy.

- -Healthcare Provider Attitudes-: A significant number of studies (65 out of 85) reported negative interactions with healthcare providers. Pregnant women with obesity often face dismissive attitudes and derogatory comments, leading to feelings of inferiority and anxiety which can contribute to heightened gestational weight gain and postpartum weight retention.

- -Influence of Close Relationships-: Relationships with family and friends substantially shape women's body image and weight perceptions during pregnancy. Many women experienced pressure and negative feedback about their dietary choices and weight gain from close associates, with 64.9% reporting judgment related to their pregnancy weight.

- -Societal Pressures and Disparities-: Societal expectations perpetuate stigma through unrealistic standards of behavior and appearance. Women, especially from lower-income backgrounds, reported barriers to accessing healthy resources, demonstrating a connection between stigma and race/class disparities in health outcomes.

- -Media Representation-: The portrayal of pregnant bodies in the media significantly contributes to weight stigma. Findings from 11 studies highlighted how unrealistic depictions can lead to feelings of inadequacy among women, increasing societal pressure to conform to narrow beauty standards.

- -Recommendations for Change-: The review emphasizes the need for heightened awareness and training concerning weight stigma among healthcare providers and the broader society. Efforts to mitigate stigma are essential for improving health outcomes for mothers and infants. It also calls for additional research focusing on diverse populations, especially in low- and middle-income regions, to capture and address a broader range of experiences related to weight stigma.

Reference –

Hima Sasidharan et al. (2025). Pregnancy And Weight Gain: A Scoping Review Of Women’S Perceptions And Experiences With Stigma. *BMC Pregnancy And Childbirth*, 25. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-025-07650-9.