It can be extremely difficult to face up to an eating disorder, but this can be much harder if you’re pregnant.
You may be worried that people will think of you as selfish or a bad mother because you’re struggling to eat as much as you should be to keep both yourself and baby safe and healthy.
If you have an eating disorder, the idea of gaining weight during pregnancy can be much harder to accept. The idea of being weighed may be quite scary to you.
How will an eating disorder affect my unborn baby?
If you have an eating disorder while you're pregnant, you are more likely to experience a number of complications including preeclampsia, gestational diabetes or even a miscarriage or stillbirth, so it’s important to tell your midwife or GP if you are experiencing this condition.
If your BMI is too low during your pregnancy, it may mean you're more likely to give birth to a low-birth-weight baby. Low-birth-weight babies often need special care when they are born. Your baby's brain development can also be affected.
How will an eating disorder affect me after the birth?
If you have an eating disorder, you're likely to need continuing support to overcome it after your baby is born.
You may find the eating disorder gets worse again, even if your symptoms lessened during pregnancy.
You may also be more likely to develop postnatal depression (PND). It's important to be aware of the signs of PND. The signs vary, but if you are having long-lasting feelings of hopelessness, guilt and isolation, you may have PND.
You should be referred to an obstetrician to get the specialist care you need after your pregnancy. You may also be able to receive support from mental health services.
How can I get help with my eating disorder?
Although it’s sure to be difficult, it’s really important to tell your midwife or GP if you have an eating disorder at the earliest stages of the pregnancy. This way, you can get the advice and support you need for a healthy pregnancy and birth.
