Pregnancy and Body Image: Analysis of Clothing Functions of Maternity Wear

The purpose of this study is to investigate pregnant women's maternity clothing practices in relation to their body image. The study's participants were 137 women in the second or third trimester of their pregnancy. They were selected because maternity garments are required to accommodate changes in the body from the second trimester of pregnancy. They completed a questionnaire including their perception of body shape changes during pregnancy, body satisfaction, appearance evaluation, appearance orientation, and clothing functions. It was found that maternity clothing was worn primarily for comfort and assurance by pregnant women, not for camouflage. The results suggest that pregnant women are likely to be satisfied with their pregnant body, and their body image is a determinant of how they manage their physical appearance and self-presentation.