the Wedding Planner

UK Wedding News

02/08/2013

1 In 5 Women Feel Pressurised To Lose Pregnancy Weight

One in five women admit they feel pressurised to lose their pregnancy weight because their boyfriend or husband is unhappy with their appearance, according to a new study.

The poll, which was carried out by BioOil, revealed that a majority of new mums feel insecure about their body after they give birth, with many saying they feel emotionally unstable and stressed.

The research followed 793 mothers-to-be who were three months into their pregnancy and were asked how they felt about their body at the time. They were then asked the same question six months later, after they had given birth.

Surprisingly, 20% of mothers said they felt pressurised to regain their pre-pregnancy figure because of pressure from their partner, while others claimed that pressure also came from the media and other members of their family.

- - - - - - Advertisement - - - - - -
The Party Photobooth Limited

Around half of women also said they put pressure on themselves. Elsewhere, the study found that many women are surprised by the changes their body undergoes during and after pregnancy. For example, more than 12% admitted they were surprised when their 'baby bump' did not disappear immediately after giving birth.

20% of women said it took two weeks for their bump to go down, 17% said it took a month and 15% said it took three months, while 27% said it took longer than three months.

Around 40% of respondents also said they frequently worry about their body in the first three months following their pregnancy, with stretchmarks, weight and body size the top concerns.

Kathryn Gutteride, Consultant Midwife and Clinical Lead at Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals is quoted as saying the findings are "concerning".

She explained: "I find it concerning women are under unnecessary pressure at a time where their main priority, aside from their baby's wellbeing, should be how they're coping with the huge physical and emotional changes to their bodies.

"It's important that women realise that just as they took nine months to produce a full grown baby, it will take at least that long for them to regain some of their former shape."

(JP/MH)

Top stories


20/03/2020
LeToya Luckett-Walker Is Pregnant

Charlotte Crosby Finds New Romance

Lydia Bright Gets Candid About Giving Birth

Lana Del Ray Splits From Boyfriend

Angelica Ross Learns Of Boyfriend's Secret Life

Ashley Graham's Breastfeeding Struggle

Susanna Reid's Mother's Day Plans

Lin-Manuel Miranda Homeschooling Kids

Kristen Bell Speaks Of Pride For Daughters

Prince George & Princess Charlotte Now Homeschooled
more infomore info
0.015625 3.209.81.51 Ban:1, But:1 29/03/2024

"One in five women admit they feel pressurised to lose their pregnancy weight because their boyfriend or husband is unhappy with their appearance, according to a new study."