Body Image & Reproductive Mental Health: Embracing the Shifts

Reproductive transitions, whether it’s fertility treatments, pregnancy, postpartum, or loss—can deeply impact how we see and feel about our bodies. These stages are filled with

transformation, often leaving us navigating not only physical changes but emotional ones as

well. According to Shen et. al. (2024) “Existing evidence indicates that pregnant women with

dysregulated body image are at a four-fold higher risk of perinatal anxiety and depression

compared to healthy pregnant women, and they also experience more severe depressive

symptoms after childbirth.”

The body you knew will change, and that's okay. The amount of pressure to “bounce back” or

stay in control of your body might feel extremely overwhelming. But the truth is, your body is not meant to stay the same through life’s most powerful transitions. You may gain weight, carry scars, feel disconnected, or experience new strength and tenderness. These changes are real, and they’re worthy of compassion, not criticism.

Mental Health Deserves the Same Care

Alongside physical changes, you might experience mood shifts, anxiety, grief, or moments of

emotional numbness. Whether you’re adjusting to a new role as a parent, coping with the

trauma of loss, or struggling to conceive, your mental health matters just as much as your

physical health.

Tips to Cope Through Each Phase

• Honor your pace. Healing, physically and emotionally doesn’t follow a timeline.

• Name your emotions. Giving language to your feelings helps you process and move

  through them.

• Stay grounded. Journaling, breathing exercises, or grounding techniques can ease

  overwhelm.

• Limit comparison. Everyone’s journey looks different, especially online.

• Ask for help. Therapy, peer support, and honest conversations can be powerful tools for

  healing.

Your body and mind have carried you through so much. It’s okay to feel unsure. It’s okay to feel proud, and it’s more than okay to ask for support along the way.

References

Shen, M. D., Gao, R. T., Chen, S. B., Xu, Z. H., & Ding, X. D. (2024). The effectiveness of

interventions on improving body image for pregnant and postpartum women: a

systematic review of randomized clinical trials. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 24(1), 581.