Those pregnant with anorexia have a high risk of having a stillbirth, an underweight baby or preterm birth.
In this article, you’ll read:
- Anorexia and its connection with pregnant women
- How to cope with eating disorders during pregnancy
Pregnant with Anorexia
Nowadays, there are prevalent cases of those pregnant with anorexia. It is more common in women during their fertile years.
Along with that, about 1 in 200 pregnant women experience the said eating disorder. The condition is typically associated with restricting, binging, and purging. In some cases, all of the mentioned behaviours appear in those suffering from Anorexia nervosa.
Professor Megan Galbally works at the Centre for Women’s and Children’s Mental Health at Monash University’s School of Clinical Sciences as director. She said that there is a lack of studies and clinical advice on managing pregnant women with anorexia.
“Unlike mood disorders and anxiety and psychotic disorders, little guidance and research are available for anorexia nervosa in pregnancy. Perinatal mental health guidelines, including those in the UK and Australia, provide only limited or no mention of the assessment and management of eating disorders in pregnancy,” the professor said.
Assessment measures for people with Anorexia outside pregnancy are different for women in gestation. Unfortunately, it shows to have limited validity in pregnancy.
“Clearly, the assessment and monitoring of measures and tools for anorexia nervosa require modification in the context of pregnancy,” she added.
Managing the health of pregnant women
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When it comes to managing pregnant women’s health, the experts often highlight essential points. They also stress the importance of maternal antenatal nutrition, pregnancy weight gain, and the infant’s birth weight.
These are critical risk factors and vital intervention points for improving lifelong health. Plus, areas such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity are included. Untreated or undertreated Anorexia nervosa in pregnancy has psychological and psychosocial risks like anxiety and perinatal depression.
Some studies state that anorexia could affect obstetric and neonatal outcomes. It happens through low-calorie intake, nutritional and vitamin deficiencies, stress, fasting, and low body mass. Aside from that, it could also cause problems with the function of the placenta.
Obstetric Complications
There is an increase in obstetric complication reports on those pregnant with anorexia. Compared with those without the condition, a 2020 study from Canada says that women with Anorexia nervosa during pregnancy had:
- 1.32 times the risk of preterm birth
- 1.69 times the adjusted risk of a baby with low birth weight
- 1.99 times the adjusted risk of stillbirth
Currently, there are still no guidelines for how doctors should manage the condition. However, some researchers developed recommendations and principles for multidisciplinary management of anorexia nervosa in pregnancy.
Managing anorexia requires a multidisciplinary team approach. It should also come with cross mental health, specialist medical care, and dietetics at a minimum.
Coping with Eating Disorders During Pregnancy
The eating disorders we commonly encounter include anorexia and bulimia. These conditions commonly emerge during adolescence or young adulthood that disproportionately impact females.
The condition often lingers; it is rare for the illness to persist into a woman’s reproductive years. However, it could still affect both the baby’s and mum’s health. Because of this, we must understand the interactions between pregnancy and an eating disorder.
Eating Disorders During Pregnancy
Eating disorders are triggered by shame and secrecy. Women who are pregnant may have strong feelings of guilt and humiliation. As a result, it may pose a threat to both the pregnant mother and her unborn child.
Meanwhile, some women are fearful of being judged by others. As a result, they are growing more reluctant to discuss their difficulties and struggles. They may refuse to recognize they have problems, even with themselves.
Potential Signs of Eating Disorders During Pregnancy
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Inadequate weight gain during pregnancy is just one of the important warning signs to monitor. Other clues of a suspected eating disorder can include:
- Excessive exercise
- Preoccupation with feeling fat
- Abnormal electrolyte levels
- Intense fear of gaining weight
- Substantial intake of food
- Anxiety around or avoidance of eating
A lot of women with eating disorders fear disclosing their eating disorders. However, failing to admit the condition could increase health risks if she is with child.
It is essential to consult and inform your doctor or health care provider about your condition. It would be best to immediately let them know when you notice that you have eating disorder symptoms.
At present, there are no specific treatments for eating disorders during pregnancy. Fortunately, a registered dietitian could help provide nutritional needs during pregnancy and how much weight should be gained.
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