The body image of a primigravida following cesarean delivery.

This descriptive, longitudinal case study was based on interactions with a 26‐year‐old primigravida during the 5 weeks following her cesarean delivery. Data were collected by means of unstructured interviews and observations. Retrospective analysis revealed that the subject's dominant focus was the change in her body image following cesarean delivery. Initially perceived as less than ideal, her body image appeared to be one of multiple boundary intrusions, hurting sensations, inadequacy of function, and unattractiveness. During the immediate postpartal period, the subject's behaviors demonstrated progress toward attainment of a positive body image of an intact boundary, comfort, adequate function, and beauty. Cesarean delivery was a simultaneous experience of surgery and childbirth, and the subject's behaviors revealed her efforts to cope with bodily changes associated with the operation and delivery of a child. As the subject's real and ideal body images became more congruent, she gradually shifted her a...