Eating Disorders & Pregnancy What Are The Risks?

Eating disorders affect a large number of people. A pregnant woman is just as likely to have an eating disorder as someone who is not pregnant. For a woman with an eating disorder that becomes pregnant, the pregnancy can sometimes worsen her condition. Eating disorders can create some severe risks for both a pregnant woman and her baby. Some of the possible dangers of having an eating disorder during pregnancy can include:

- Premature labor or premature birth

- Miscarriage

- Stillbirth

- Respiratory problems for your baby

- Preeclampsia or pregnancy-induced hypertension

- An increased risk of cesarean section

- Jaundice

- Placental separation

- Having a low-birthweight baby

- Complications with labor

- Delay of fetal growth

- Gestational diabetes

- An increased risk of birth defects

- Depression during pregnancy or post-partum depression.

Babies born to mothers who are undernourished tend to have a variety of problems. Not all of these problems end, either; many of them will last the child for their entire life. If a child is born prematurely or with a low birthweight, she is at increased risk for having developmental delays or problems that will plague her in school and beyond. Some new research even suggests that babies who were undernourished in the womb are even at a higher risk of having Alzheimers disease late in life.

There are other concerns, as well, for a woman with an eating disorder who becomes pregnant. Sometimes, the increase in weight that is a normal and important part of pregnancy can create guilt and anxiety which leads to more and more problems. Some studies suggest that women who have an eating disorder also tend to pass the disorder on to their children, or even wind up underfeeding or overfeeding their children.

Whether the eating disorder is anorexia, bulimia, or compulsive overeating, eating disorders affect not just the pregnant woman but her baby as well. If you or someone you know is pregnant and has an eating disorder, they should seek help immediately. Your health care provider or mental health professional may be able to help determine a treatment plan that is effective for everyone involved.

Posted in Pregnancy