The indirect association of self-acceptance in the relationship between body image dissatisfaction during late pregnancy and prenatal maternal role adaptation

Pregnancy is a critical stage in the development of maternal identity. Physical changes during pregnancy often conflict with the socially endorsed ideal of a slim body, which can contribute to body image dissatisfaction and interfere with the transition to the maternal role. As a core dimension of mental health, self-acceptance may link body image dissatisfaction with prenatal maternal role adaptation. This study explored the indirect association of self-acceptance in the relationship between body image dissatisfaction and prenatal maternal role adaptation among women in late pregnancy, with the aim of providing evidence to support prenatal maternal role adaptation. In this cross-sectional study, 675 women in late pregnancy who received antenatal care at the obstetric outpatient department of Bengbu First People’s Hospital were recruited through continuous convenience sampling. The Body Image in Pregnancy Scale, Self-Acceptance Questionnaire, and Maternal Role Adaptation Questionnaire were used to assess body image dissatisfaction, self-acceptance, and prenatal maternal role adaptation during late pregnancy. Self-acceptance scores were higher among women aged 26–29 years and 30–34 years than among those aged 18–25 years ( P < 0.01). Women aged ≥ 35 years had higher maternal role adaptation scores than those aged 18–25 years, 26–29 years, and 30–34 years ( P < 0.05). Women with a gestational age < 37 weeks had higher self-acceptance scores than those with a gestational age ≥ 37 weeks ( P < 0.01). Multiparous women had higher prenatal maternal role adaptation scores than primiparous women ( P < 0.01). Body image dissatisfaction was negatively associated with self-acceptance ( β =−0.349, P = 0.001), and self-acceptance was positively associated with prenatal maternal role adaptation ( β = 0.103, P = 0.006). Body image dissatisfaction was indirectly associated with prenatal maternal role adaptation through self-acceptance (unstandardized β =−0.018, P = 0.005, 95% confidence interval (CI) [− 0.032, − 0.006]). Body image dissatisfaction was negatively associated with self-acceptance and indirectly associated with prenatal maternal role adaptation through self-acceptance. These findings provide preliminary evidence for future research and for developing targeted interventions.