Influence of social networks on self-image and lifestyle in postpartum women: a systematic scoping review
Abstract Background Postpartum is a critical phase for women’s health, characterized by physical, psychological, and social changes. Social networks have emerged as a predominant communication channel, offering support and quick access to information about motherhood. However, their use can also neg...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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BMC
2025-07-01
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| Series: | BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-025-07847-y |
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| author | Esther Ramos Hernández Natalia Sánchez-Aguadero M José Fermoso Palmero Jose I. Recio-Rodríguez |
| author_facet | Esther Ramos Hernández Natalia Sánchez-Aguadero M José Fermoso Palmero Jose I. Recio-Rodríguez |
| author_sort | Esther Ramos Hernández |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Background Postpartum is a critical phase for women’s health, characterized by physical, psychological, and social changes. Social networks have emerged as a predominant communication channel, offering support and quick access to information about motherhood. However, their use can also negatively influence body image and dietary behavior, especially in a context of pro-slimness beauty standards. Postpartum women are particularly vulnerable to body dissatisfaction, but there are still few studies that specifically analyze the impact of social networks at this stage. This scoping review aims to map and describe the available evidence on how the possible influence of exposure to social media content on body image perception and the adoption of eating and exercise-related habits in women during the postpartum period has been investigated. Methods This scoping review was conducted following the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews) guidelines, adapted for exploratory reviews. We searched for studies published in the last 10-years in databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, and BVS, using terms related to social networks, body image, diet, exercise, and the postpartum period. Eight studies were included after applying eligibility criteria based on the PIO framework. An assessment of the quality of methodological reporting was performed using best practice guidelines such as SRQR, STROBE, CONSORT, and PRISMA, for descriptive purposes. Results We analyzed 8 studies suggesting that social networks may negatively influence the body image, eating and exercise habits of postpartum women. The publications represent unrealistic aesthetic standards, associated with body dissatisfaction, restrictive diets, and intensive exercise, with prevalent nutritional misinformation. Although positive messages of body acceptance were identified, they were scarce, suggesting the need for regulation and media education. Conclusions Social networks could exert a relevant influence on women’s body image and self-care habits in the postpartum period, promoting unrealistic aesthetic standards that could have a negative impact on their physical and emotional well-being. It is essential to implement media literacy strategies, promote inclusive content, and regulate misinformation on these platforms to mitigate their adverse effects and promote a healthy and sustainable recovery. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-7ecdfab00f1d41d7b9634ff4e0fa3561 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 1471-2393 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-07-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth |
| spelling | doaj-art-7ecdfab00f1d41d7b9634ff4e0fa35612025-08-20T04:02:50ZengBMCBMC Pregnancy and Childbirth1471-23932025-07-0125111610.1186/s12884-025-07847-yInfluence of social networks on self-image and lifestyle in postpartum women: a systematic scoping reviewEsther Ramos Hernández0Natalia Sánchez-Aguadero1M José Fermoso Palmero2Jose I. Recio-Rodríguez3Escuela Universitaria de Enfermería SACyL, Centro adscrito Universidad de SalamancaFacultad de Enfermería y Fisioterapia, Universidad de SalamancaEscuela Universitaria de Enfermería SACyL, Centro adscrito Universidad de SalamancaFacultad de Enfermería y Fisioterapia, Universidad de SalamancaAbstract Background Postpartum is a critical phase for women’s health, characterized by physical, psychological, and social changes. Social networks have emerged as a predominant communication channel, offering support and quick access to information about motherhood. However, their use can also negatively influence body image and dietary behavior, especially in a context of pro-slimness beauty standards. Postpartum women are particularly vulnerable to body dissatisfaction, but there are still few studies that specifically analyze the impact of social networks at this stage. This scoping review aims to map and describe the available evidence on how the possible influence of exposure to social media content on body image perception and the adoption of eating and exercise-related habits in women during the postpartum period has been investigated. Methods This scoping review was conducted following the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews) guidelines, adapted for exploratory reviews. We searched for studies published in the last 10-years in databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, and BVS, using terms related to social networks, body image, diet, exercise, and the postpartum period. Eight studies were included after applying eligibility criteria based on the PIO framework. An assessment of the quality of methodological reporting was performed using best practice guidelines such as SRQR, STROBE, CONSORT, and PRISMA, for descriptive purposes. Results We analyzed 8 studies suggesting that social networks may negatively influence the body image, eating and exercise habits of postpartum women. The publications represent unrealistic aesthetic standards, associated with body dissatisfaction, restrictive diets, and intensive exercise, with prevalent nutritional misinformation. Although positive messages of body acceptance were identified, they were scarce, suggesting the need for regulation and media education. Conclusions Social networks could exert a relevant influence on women’s body image and self-care habits in the postpartum period, promoting unrealistic aesthetic standards that could have a negative impact on their physical and emotional well-being. It is essential to implement media literacy strategies, promote inclusive content, and regulate misinformation on these platforms to mitigate their adverse effects and promote a healthy and sustainable recovery.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-025-07847-yPostpartumSocial mediaBody imageDietExercise |
| spellingShingle | Esther Ramos Hernández Natalia Sánchez-Aguadero M José Fermoso Palmero Jose I. Recio-Rodríguez Influence of social networks on self-image and lifestyle in postpartum women: a systematic scoping review BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth Postpartum Social media Body image Diet Exercise |
| title | Influence of social networks on self-image and lifestyle in postpartum women: a systematic scoping review |
| title_full | Influence of social networks on self-image and lifestyle in postpartum women: a systematic scoping review |
| title_fullStr | Influence of social networks on self-image and lifestyle in postpartum women: a systematic scoping review |
| title_full_unstemmed | Influence of social networks on self-image and lifestyle in postpartum women: a systematic scoping review |
| title_short | Influence of social networks on self-image and lifestyle in postpartum women: a systematic scoping review |
| title_sort | influence of social networks on self image and lifestyle in postpartum women a systematic scoping review |
| topic | Postpartum Social media Body image Diet Exercise |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-025-07847-y |
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