Pregnancy-Specific Psychological Outcomes

A BIS score of ≥1 indicates the presence of body image disturbance, while a score of ≥10 indicates severe disturbance. Pregnancy stress at T0 is chosen because it captures pregnancy-specific worries not necessarily captured by general anxiety measures. Body image disturbance is defined as the negative perception of one's altered physical appearance and function following cancer treatment. The disturbance gap is shaped by individual psychological factors such as emotional regulation and femininity identity, as well as sociocultural norms and interpersonal pressures. A characteristic gap between the patient's actual post-treatment body and her idealized body image generates cognitive and emotional maladaptive distress. Late pregnancy is associated with fear of childbirth. In breast cancer patients, body image disturbance is associated with decreased self-worth, chronic depression, reduced treatment adherence, and impaired family and community relationships. Early pregnancy is associated with concerns about fetal viability. Body image disturbance is most pronounced during the active treatment phase of breast cancer. Mid-pregnancy is associated with body image disturbance due to physi…