The Impact of Weight Stigma in Maternity Care on Women and Infants

Weight stigma is a pervasive issue in maternity care, affecting women of larger bodies at nearly every stage of pregnancy. Research from the United States indicates that many women encounter negative attitudes, stereotypes, and discriminatory practices from healthcare providers, which can significantly harm both maternal and infant health outcomes. This pattern is likely similar in Australia, where over 50% of women of reproductive age have larger body sizes.

Weight stigma manifests in various ways—explicitly through negative comments or biases from healthcare professionals, and implicitly through actions such as avoiding physical contact or eye contact. Policies and hospital environments often contribute to this stigma, with women reporting feelings of shame, inability to access appropriate care, and being treated as high-risk solely based on body size, regardless of their actual health status.

Women who experience weight stigma often report feeling judged, devalued, and guilt-ridden about their pregnancies. Such experiences can lead to emotional distress, depression, and disordered eating behaviors, which further impact mental health. Society’s unrealistic ideals about body image and motherhood frequently reinforce these feelings, causing women to internalize stigma—the process known as self-stigma.

The effects extend beyond emotional well-being, influencing pregnancy and birth outcomes. Weight stigma has been linked to increased risks of gestational diabetes, cesarean sections, and lower rates of breastfeeding. These associations may be stronger than those related solely to body weight, partly due to delayed healthcare engagement, stress responses, and reduced confidence in seeking help.

Importantly, the blame and burden should not fall solely on women. The healthcare system can play a vital role in addressing this issue by educating practitioners on the harms of weight bias and creating more inclusive, respectful maternity care environments. Initiatives like training programs, resources, and awareness campaigns have been developed to promote size-friendly practices, aiming to improve maternal mental health and pregnancy outcomes.

Ending weight stigma in maternity care is a complex challenge, but concerted efforts can lead to more equitable and compassionate healthcare. Such change benefits not only mothers but also their infants, fostering healthier pregnancies and stronger starts in life.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-04-weight-stigma-maternity-larger-bodied.html