Is it common to be displeased with body changes that happen during pregnancy?

Yes. There are many cases where women feel unsure about weight gain, stretch marks or swelling. However, it becomes a problem if such feelings are strong and interfere with daily functioning.

Is it possible to experience body dysmorphia during pregnancy for the first time?

Body changes in pregnancy tend to occur quickly and cause body image issues in women. If body image issues become overpowering, the woman should seek professional help.

Is it useful to consult a counsellor?

Yes. A counsellor will offer an opportunity to talk freely without any criticism and will provide coping strategies for body dysmorphia.

Recognising Body Dysmorphia During Pregnancy

Belly growth, the formation of new stretch marks, and swelling of the ankles are a part of pregnancy. While there are days when a woman feels good about these changes and then days when she feels uncomfortable with them, at times the discomfort becomes so intense that it starts affecting one's everyday activities.

How Does Pregnancy Affect Your Body?

According to Dr Khetan, pregnancy causes natural changes in the body, and those include:

Gaining weight: Gradual weight gain is expected during pregnancy.
Growing tummy: The growth of the tummy as the baby develops.
Changes in breasts: Changes indicating preparation for feeding.
Stretch marks: Marks appearing due to stretching of skin.
Swelling: Swelling of the feet, ankles, and hands.

These are all indications of the body making space for the baby. Discomfort caused by such changes is completely normal.

What Is Body Dysmorphia?

Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a condition characterised by a person being extremely bothered by their physical appearance. As Dr Khetan mentions, persistent and extreme concern for one’s appearance can mean something more profound, such as BDD.

This does not mean that someone occasionally thinks, “It would be nice if my body looked a bit different”. In this case, distress remains and begins to influence a person’s daily activities.

What Are the Symptoms of Body Dysmorphia?

Body dysmorphia may be characterised by an obsessive concern regarding any imperfection in one's body image. The symptoms are:

Repeated checking of oneself in the mirror
Complete avoidance of looking into the mirror
Continuous comparisons of one’s body with others
Reassurance seeking, asking others many times if she looks fine

Why Could Social Media Make It More Difficult?

Dr Khetan mentions that this is because social media could add to these worries by setting up unrealistic standards regarding what pregnancy "should" look like. All of those photos have the best angle, the best lighting and the best day. No one ever posts about how they are feeling on a bad morning, or with swollen feet.

The following could help make things easier:

Reduce scroll time: Less time scrolling means less comparison.
Focus on real pregnancies: Those pages will always be more authentic.

Why Is Early Support Important?

Even before a pregnancy, a person experiences a lot of emotional changes. As per Dr Khetan, prolonged distress over body image issues can lead to:

Low confidence in oneself
Impact on relationships with family members due to distress
Changes in eating habits due to distress
Overall wellbeing issues as joy and peace get overlooked

This way, early support prevents things from escalating and helps one enjoy the pregnancy better.

Professional support does not show weakness. On the contrary, it shows strength of mind.Dr Keerti Khetan, Director, Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, CK Birla Hospital, Delhi

Where Should the Focus Be During Pregnancy?

According to Dr Khetan, pregnancy does not require a particular body shape. The focus should be on the healthy condition of the mother and baby.

Some gentle ways to change the focus are:

Purposeful: Remind yourself why the body needs this change.
Comfortable: Loose-fitting clothes will make her comfortable.
Encouraging: Encouraging words make a difference both verbally and mentally.
Feelings: A partner, relative or close friend can help her out in this regard.

These tips can be followed, but they cannot take the place of any advice by the doctors and counsellors.

Who Can Help When Body Image Issues Become Unbearable?

Women with a lot of concerns about their appearance and those who find themselves unable to accept pregnancy changes should see:

The obstetrician: The first person in charge of the pregnancy.
The mental health professional: Detailed assessment and treatment.
The counsellor: A space to vent and cope.

When the mother's mind is healthy, then her baby is also healthy.

When Is It Time to See a Doctor?

A doctor needs to be seen if any of the following occurs:

The concern regarding appearance persists for days or even weeks.
Excessive time spent with mirrors or without mirrors.
Mealtimes are skipped or changed because of concerns about body image.
Sleeping or daily routines are disrupted.
Presence of sadness, hopelessness, or withdrawing from loved ones.

The doctor remains non-judgmental, identifies the source of stress and recommends the most appropriate form of treatment, including counselling.

Pregnancy causes physical changes in the body but never demands the body to appear a certain way. Identifying the symptoms early and avoiding the pressure of comparison will make this period easier and more enjoyable. Every pregnant body works hard and deserves respect.

Whether you’re pregnant, a new mom, or navigating postpartum, you don’t have to do it alone. Join our support group to connect, share, and support one another.

FAQs on Recognising Body Dysmorphia During Pregnancy

Is it common to be displeased with body changes that happen during pregnancy?
Yes. There are many cases where women feel unsure about weight gain, stretch marks or swelling. However, it becomes a problem if such feelings are strong and interfere with daily functioning.
Is it possible to experience body dysmorphia during pregnancy for the first time?
Body changes in pregnancy tend to occur quickly and cause body image issues in women. If body image issues become overpowering, the woman should seek professional help.
Is it useful to consult a counsellor?
Yes. A counsellor will offer an opportunity to talk freely without any criticism and will provide coping strategies for body dysmorphia.