Eating disorders are prevalent mental illnesses that can affect numerous aspects of an individual’s life, including their reproductive health.

Pregnant women with eating disorders are at a higher risk of experiencing poor pregnancy outcomes, like preterm birth, low birth weight, and even infant mortality.

Understanding Eating Disorders

Eating disorders are complex mental health conditions that typically involve an unhealthy relationship with food and body image. The most common types of eating disorders are:.

Anorexia nervosa
Bulimia nervosa
Binge eating disorder

People with anorexia nervosa restrict their food intake to an extreme degree, often to the point of malnutrition. Individuals with bulimia nervosa consume large amounts of food and then purge, either through vomiting or laxative use.

Binge eating disorder involves eating large amounts of food, frequently in a short period of time, without purging.

Prevalence of Eating Disorders in Pregnancy

Eating disorders are a concern during pregnancy because they affect both the pregnant woman and the developing fetus. Research suggests that eating disorders are prevalent during pregnancy, with rates ranging from 1.4% to 5.2%.

Moreover, studies show that pregnant women with eating disorders are at a higher risk of experiencing pregnancy complications and adverse outcomes compared to women without eating disorders.

The Impact of Eating Disorders on Pregnancy Outcomes

Eating disorders can have a profound impact on pregnancy outcomes. Here are some of the potential effects of eating disorders on pregnancy:.

Preterm Birth

Preterm birth is defined as the delivery of a baby before 37 weeks of gestation. Pregnant women with eating disorders are at a higher risk of delivering prematurely.

Research has shown that women with anorexia nervosa have a higher incidence of preterm birth, with rates ranging from 22% to 56%.

Low Birth Weight

Infants born to mothers with eating disorders have a higher risk of being born with a low birth weight. Low birth weight is defined as a weight of less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces at birth.

In one study, infants born to mothers with anorexia nervosa had an average birth weight of 6 pounds, 2 ounces, which is significantly lower than the average birth weight for infants born to healthy mothers.

Small for Gestational Age

Small for gestational age (SGA) refers to infants who are smaller than expected for their gestational age. Babies who are SGA have a higher risk of experiencing health problems, including developmental delays and neurological deficits.

Pregnant women with eating disorders are at a higher risk of delivering SGA infants.

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Admission

Infants born to mothers with eating disorders are more likely to require admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) after delivery. NICU admission is necessary when a newborn requires specialized medical care due to health problems.

Infant Mortality

Studies have shown that infants born to mothers with eating disorders have a higher risk of death during the first year of life.

Infants born to mothers with anorexia nervosa have a higher incidence of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), which is the unexplained death of an infant under one year of age.

Risk Factors for Poor Pregnancy Outcomes in Women with Eating Disorders

Several factors can contribute to poor pregnancy outcomes in women with eating disorders. These factors include:.

Eating Disorder Severity

The severity of the eating disorder can impact pregnancy outcomes. Women with more severe eating disorders are at a higher risk of experiencing poor pregnancy outcomes.

Weight Changes During Pregnancy

Women with eating disorders may experience significant weight changes during pregnancy. Rapid weight gain or loss can increase the risk of preterm birth, low birth weight, and other adverse outcomes.

Lack of Prenatal Care

Some women with eating disorders may avoid prenatal care or fail to follow medical recommendations during pregnancy. The lack of prenatal care can contribute to poor pregnancy outcomes.

Co-occurring Mental Health Conditions

Women with eating disorders may also have co-occurring mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety. These conditions can further increase the risk of poor pregnancy outcomes.

Conclusion

Eating disorders can have a serious impact on the health of pregnant women and their developing fetuses.

Women with eating disorders are at a higher risk of experiencing poor pregnancy outcomes, such as preterm birth, low birth weight, and infant mortality. It is essential that pregnant women with eating disorders receive appropriate medical care and support to reduce the risk of adverse outcomes.