Essential Reads: Obstetric and Perinatal Outcomes among Women with Eating Disorders
Greater attention to eating behaviors and screening eating disorders during pregnancy is the first step in improving outcomes in this population.
Fertility Treatment More Common in Women with Bulimia Nervosa
Menstrual irregularities, including amenorrhea, are common among women with eating disorders. Â Given the menstrual abnormalities, there has been concern that women with eating disorders might be less likely to conceive naturally. A recent study has [...]
Eating Disorders and Their Impact on Pregnancy Outcomes
Eating disorders are relatively common among women of reproductive age, yet the literature on the effects of maternal eating disorders (ED) on pregnancy outcomes is relatively sparse. There has been concern that eating disorders may negatively affect gestational weight gain. Previous studies have demonstrated an association between maternal anorexia nervosa (AN) (both active and past) and lower infant birthweight (as compared to women with no history of ED); however, calculations of the magnitude of this effect have been inconsistent.Â
Pregnancy Outcomes in Women with Eating Disorders
Most studies have shown that women experience an improvement or remission in eating disorders during pregnancy; however, studies assessing how eating disorders may affect pregnancy outcomes have yielded conflicting results. While some studies have demonstrated no negative effects, others have demonstrated higher miscarriage rates among women with bulimia nervosa. In addition, women with histories of eating disorders have been shown to be significantly more likely to experience preterm delivery and to give birth to babies small for gestational age.
Eating Disorders in Pregnancy and Postpartum Depression
The British Medical Journal recently published a brief, but comprehensive review of eating disorders in pregnancy by Veronica Bridget Ward. Eating disorders (anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and eating disorder not otherwise specified) most commonly occur in women of reproductive age and may be influenced by pregnancy and its associated weight gain and change in body shape. Some women experience a worsening of eating disorder symptoms, while others improve, or remain unchanged throughout the course of the pregnancy.