The Impact of Pregnancy Myths on Maternal Mental Health: An Informative Overview

Anticipation, joy, and, for many, anxiety – this is the rollercoaster ride we call pregnancy! Societal pressures, including those surrounding pregnancy expectations and stereotypes, can often intensify anxieties, overshadowing your uniquely personal experience. Understanding and addressing these pregnancy myths is crucial in supporting your growing family (and your sanity).

Physical Appearance and Body Image

Society tends to glorify the "glow" of pregnancy while overlooking the reality that many women struggle with drastic changes in their bodies. Weight gain, pregnancy stretch marks, swelling, and the shifting shape of your body can feel overwhelming, especially when cultural pressures push for a picture-perfect pregnancy.

While pregnant women do often feel and look stunning, the idea that they should always appear and feel radiant and glowing is simply unrealistic. This belief may cause individuals experiencing typical pregnancy symptoms, such as acne, fatigue, or swelling, to feel inadequate.

There is also significant societal scrutiny on a woman’s pregnancy weight gain and body changes during pregnancy, creating pressure to maintain a particular image and “bounce back” quickly postpartum. This stereotype can contribute to unhealthy body image issues and unnecessary maternal stress.

Finally, let’s discuss maternity fashion style. There is a stereotype that pregnant women should dress in a traditionally feminine and flattering manner, often overlooking comfort and personal style. This expectation can inhibit self-expression and add extra pressure.

Emotional and Psychological Expectations

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Let’s make this clear right now: It’s normal to have a mix of feelings that can sometimes feel overwhelming when you are pregnant! 

While many expect to feel constant excitement and joy, the reality is that pregnancy can also bring anxiety, fear, and moments of doubt. The hormonal changes your body goes through can intensify these emotions, making you feel vulnerable or even out of control. Society often paints a picture of pregnancy as a time of pure happiness, but it’s okay if your experience includes moments of uncertainty or sadness. Expecting pregnancy to be a time of continuous joy and excitement can dismiss the emotional complexities involved. Mood swings in pregnancy, anxiety, and even prenatal depression are common but often overlooked or stigmatized.

Society also frequently assumes that all women have an innate maternal instinct and will instantly bond with their unborn child. This can lead to guilt or inadequacy for those who do not experience this immediate connection (which is normal). 

Pregnant women are often expected to remain serene and composed, even amidst the stress and emotional turbulence accompanying pregnancy. This stereotype can invalidate genuine feelings and create additional pressure to conform. You might worry about how life will change, how your body is changing, or whether you're ready for what’s ahead—all of those feelings are entirely valid. 

Health and Lifestyle Stereotypes

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As soon as they become pregnant, women receive an overwhelming amount of unsolicited advice about how to live and what choices to make from just about everyone.

From strict diet recommendations to expectations about staying active, it can feel like there’s constant pressure to follow a “perfect” pregnancy lifestyle. Society tends to promote the idea that pregnant women should only eat certain foods, exercise a specific amount, and follow rigid health rules, making it easy to feel judged if you deviate from these standards. The truth is, every pregnancy is different, and your body’s needs are unique to you. While making healthy choices is important, listening to your body and giving yourself grace is essential. You may not have the energy to exercise every day, or you might have cravings that don’t align with a perfect diet, and that’s okay. The key is finding balance and doing what feels right without feeling pressured by external stereotypes. 

"Well, I, of course, delivered naturally," you are bound to hear someone say after they ask you about your birth plan. The expectation that a "real" or "best" birth experience is a natural birth without medical intervention can stigmatize those who opt for or require medical assistance. This stereotype can create undue pressure and feelings of inadequacy. When faced with this stereotype, a trick is to turn the tables and ask questions about their birth since that was what they wanted to tell you about in the first place.

We can’t talk about lifestyle choices without touching on breastfeeding. While breastfeeding is frequently portrayed as the best and only option, the reality is that every mother and baby has unique needs, and breastfeeding can be challenging for some. The pressure to breastfeed exclusively, combined with societal messages that equate breastfeeding with being a “good mother,” can create unnecessary guilt and stress if things don’t go as planned. Some women find breastfeeding stressful, struggle with low milk supply, painful latching, or have medical issues that make breastfeeding difficult, while others may simply find it overwhelming or not suitable for their situation. 

It's important to remember that how you choose to feed your baby doesn’t define your worth as a mother. Whether you breastfeed, formula-feed, or combine both, what matters most is that your baby is nourished, healthy, and loved. The decision should be based on what works best for you and your family, free from the weight of outside expectations - only you can determine what’s best for you and your baby.

Social and Family Dynamics

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“That’s not something a mother should be doing.” Plus, “You’re so lucky to have a partner willing to help.”

UGH. 

The comments about a woman’s place in the world during pregnancy are endless. Here are some of the most significant battles you will encounter. Learn to nod, smile, and disregard them when you recognize them.

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  Traditional Gender Roles: The stereotype of traditional gender roles for mothers often portrays women as the primary caregivers, responsible for nurturing, homemaking, and managing all things domestic. In this perspective, mothers are expected to stay at home, cook, clean, and attend to the emotional and physical needs of the family, while fathers are viewed as the breadwinners.

  
  

This outdated notion persists even though many women now juggle full-time careers, personal ambitions, and the complexities of modern life. These traditional roles can put undue pressure on parental responsibility and a mother’s requirement to “do it all” while feeling invisible or unappreciated for their countless contributions. It also creates a narrow framework, implying that a woman’s worth is tied to her ability to meet these conventional expectations. The reality is that today’s mothers are redefining these roles, sharing responsibilities with their partners, and carving out lives that blend career, creativity, self-care, and family life. This shift reflects the evolving understanding that caregiving is not solely a mother’s duty and that there’s no one “right” way to mother. In other words, You do you, Mama.

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  Motherhood as Identity: The stereotype of motherhood as an all-encompassing identity often portrays moms as self-sacrificing, endlessly nurturing figures whose entire lives revolve around their children. Society tends to expect that once a woman becomes a mother, everything else—her career, hobbies, and personal ambitions—takes a backseat.

  
  

While motherhood is undoubtedly transformative, the idea that it must entirely define a woman's identity can be limiting and unfair. You are complex, and motherhood is just one facet of who you are. This stereotype can pressure moms to feel like they need to fit into a certain mold, often leaving them feeling guilty for pursuing their passions or taking time for themselves. In reality, a mother’s identity can be beautifully multifaceted, balancing the joys and challenges of raising children with other important aspects of her life, whether it’s her career, relationships, or personal growth.

Motherhood and Work

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"You're pregnant, hooray!" Also... "You've been offered a promotion, hooray!"

On one side, there’s the pressure to excel professionally, stay ambitious, and prove that motherhood doesn’t diminish career potential. On the other side, there’s the expectation of being a fully present, hands-on mom who keeps the household running smoothly and never misses a moment of your child’s life. The reality is that no one can do it all perfectly, and this juggling act can lead to guilt, burnout, and constantly falling short. But many women are finding their own rhythm, blending work and motherhood in ways that suit their unique lives. By setting boundaries, leaning on support systems, and challenging the unrealistic expectations placed on them, they’re showing that it’s possible to have both a thriving career and a fulfilling family life (if desired) —even if it doesn’t look like the picture-perfect balance society often portrays. Be ready to battle the following challenges:

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  Work Performance: There is an expectation that pregnancy will negatively impact a woman’s professional capabilities, often leading to biases in the workplace. This stereotype can hinder career progression and create a hostile work environment. This stereotype can lead to unfair treatment, such as being passed over for promotions, excluded from important projects, or facing judgment from colleagues and superiors who assume motherhood will sideline her ambitions. Pregnancy doesn’t diminish a woman’s skills, intelligence, or drive. If anything, many women report becoming even more focused and efficient as they learn to manage their time and priorities. Challenging this stereotype means recognizing that a woman's professional worth isn’t dependent on whether she’s pregnant or a mother but on her talents, work ethic, and contributions to the workplace.

  
  


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  Maternity Leave: Women may face pressure to take minimal maternity leave, questions about returning to work after maternity leave, or desires to take an extended break from their careers, regardless of their personal preferences. These expectations can limit their professional choices and financial independence. Challenging these stereotypes means recognizing maternity leave as a necessary time for recovery and bonding, not a break from responsibility, and “helping” others understand that a temporary pause in work doesn't diminish a woman’s professional abilities or ambition.

  
  

Overcoming Expectations and Stereotypes

“Thanks for letting me know that my heartburn means my baby will have lots of hair, Aunt Rita.”

From family members offering unsolicited wisdom to societal pressures about how pregnancy "should" look or feel, these constant inputs can cause stress and confusion. While much of this advice is well-meaning, you must trust your instincts and prioritize what works best for you and baby (you have our permission). 

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  Embrace your individuality and trust your instincts. What works for one person may not work for another, and that’s okay. Celebrate your journey and make decisions that feel right for you and your baby.

  
  


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  Educate yourself with accurate and trustworthy information. At Vitabae, we provide transparent information about our ingredients, their sources, the benefits of our supplements, and our manufacturing process. This transparency helps you make informed decisions about your health and wellness.

  
  


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  Finding pregnancy support groups can make a significant difference. Whether joining a local support group, participating in online forums, or engaging with social media communities, connecting with other expectant mothers can provide reassurance and practical advice.

  
  


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  Taking care of your mental and physical health is paramount, especially if you are bombarded with thoughts of “How do I stop worrying about work on maternity leave?” Incorporate self-care practices into your routine, and don’t hesitate to seek professional support when needed. Remember, your well-being is essential for both you and your baby.

  
  

Final Thoughts

Pregnancy deserves to be embraced without the weight of unrealistic expectations, stereotypes, or pregnancy myths. Let’s break free from the societal pressures that often overshadow this deeply personal experience. By challenging these norms and fostering a more inclusive, supportive atmosphere, we can ensure that every expectant mother feels seen, respected, and celebrated for her unique experience. It’s time to rewrite the narrative, making space for all the realities that come with bringing new life into the world.

References

1. Kumari, R., Jaisankar, T. J., & Thappa, D. M. (2007). A clinical study of skin changes in pregnancy. Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprology, 73(2), 141. [IJDVL]


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   Dolatian, M., Sharifi, N., Mahmoodi, Z., Fathnezhad‐Kazemi, A., Bahrami‐Vazir, E., & Rashidian, T. (2020). Weight gain during pregnancy and its associated factors: A path analysis. Nursing Open, 7(5), 1568–1577. [Nursing Open]

   
   


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   Physical activity and exercise during pregnancy and the postpartum period. (n.d.). [ACOG]

   
   


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   Thompson, K. A., White, J. P., & Bardone-Cone, A. M. (2023). Associations between pressure to breastfeed and depressive, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive, and eating disorder symptoms among postpartum women. Psychiatry Research, 328, 115432. [Psychiatry Research]

   
   

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