Pregnancy and the postpartum period have been identified as times when women experience important changes in their physical bodies. Yet, little is known about the ways in which these experiences may be related to positive embodiment, or in contrast experienced as restricting and objectifying. Thus, the aim of this study was to qualitatively examine the way in which women experienced embodiment during the course of pregnancy and the postpartum period. Twenty women, mean age = 31.85, (2.3) years, 95 % White, participated in individual interviews and completed online surveys. Findings revealed that women described experiencing both aspects of positive embodiment including body connection and comfort, agency and functionality, attuned self-care, connection to appetite, and inhabiting the body as a subjective site. Findings also revealed negative aspects including body disconnection and discomfort, disrupted functionality, challenged self-care, appetite suppression, and the body as a public and objectified site. Findings highlight the potential for the pregnancy and postpartum periods to be important times for positive embodiment in women, and a source of appreciation of the body and its functionality. However, social pressures may also constrain embodiment during this period. These findings have implications for identifying pathways to positive embodiment in pregnancy and postpartum.

中文翻译：

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怀孕期间和产后期的具体经历：一项定性研究

怀孕和产后期被认为是女性身体经历重要变化的时期。然而，人们对这些体验可能与积极体现相关的方式知之甚少，或者相反，这些体验可能被视为限制性和客观化。因此，本研究的目的是定性研究女性在怀孕期间和产后经历体现的方式。20 名女性，平均年龄 = 31.85，(2.3) 岁，95% 是白人，参与了个人访谈并完成了在线调查。研究结果显示，女性描述了积极体现的两个方面，包括身体联系和舒适、代理和功能、协调的自我护理、与食欲的联系以及将身体作为一个主观部位。调查结果还揭示了负面影响，包括身体脱节和不适、功能紊乱、自我保健受到挑战、食欲抑制以及身体作为公共和客观化场所。研究结果强调，怀孕和产后时期可能是女性积极体现的重要时期，也是欣赏身体及其功能的来源。然而，社会压力也可能限制这一时期的体现。这些发现对于确定怀孕和产后积极体现的途径具有重要意义。