Challenging Weight Stigmatizing Perspectives in Public Health During Pregnancy by Sharing Positive Stories and Images...

Most images depicting larger bodies or obesity in pregnancy are negative, such as promoting stereotypes of being physically inactive or eating unhealthily. Constantly viewing larger bodies or obesity in a negative light will contribute to advancing weight stigmatizing perspectives. Images are a powerful way to influence public health perceptions, and the aim of this work was to collect and share positive stories and depictions of obesity or larger bodies in pregnancy. Eligible participants were ≥ 18 years of age, had obesity or a larger body in pregnancy and could communicate in English. Participants were prompted to share a positive or meaningful image from their pregnancy and detail the story behind their selection. Textual and visual thematic analyses were completed. Eleven participants shared a photograph and story which were organized into two themes: 1. Proud of their pregnant body; 2. Social connections in pregnancy. Participant stories emphasized wanting to share with others how gratified they felt for having a healthy pregnancy. Photos were taken with or by loved ones, highlighting the importance of social connections throughout their pregnancy. These findings may inspire the development of image banks and the overall visual representation of obesity and larger bodies in pregnancy to better communicate and convey inclusion.