Eating disorders in Pregnancy
Pregnancy is a time of profound change — physically, emotionally, and socially. Changes to lifestyle, relationships, identity, and the body can all shape a person’s experience of pregnancy. For some women and birthing parents, pregnancy can feel protective, offering greater freedom around food and eating as the focus shifts toward nourishing a growing baby. For others, however, pregnancy can increase vulnerability to disordered eating, triggering a relapse of previous difficulties or, in some cases, the development of an eating disorder for the first time.
Up to 7.5% of pregnant women experience an eating disorder.
There are a number of triggers present for a person with an eating disorder in pregnancy
change in body size
Clothes no longer fitting
Feelings of loss of control over the body
Felling physically tired or unwell (including hyperemisis gravidarum)
Reduced ability to exercise
Being weighed during pregnancy
The expectation to gain weight in pregnancy
Managing gestational diabetes (increasing fixation with numbers)
Social media presenting women a certain way when pregnant
Pressure to “bounce back” after having a baby
What are the risks for mum and baby during pregnancy?
Eating disorders in pregnancy increase the risk of complications including
Hyperemesis gravidarum
Gestational diabetes
Low birthweight
Increased risk of miscarriage
Premature labour
Increase in antenatal depression and anxiety
Nutritional deficiency in both mum and baby
What can I do?
It is important to be transparent with your OB/GYN and GP as well as seeking support with a mental health professional and dietician. If you are connected to a hospital, public or private, there may be these team members available. Otherwise you GP can connect you with mental health and dietetics close to your area.
It can also help to have the support of a partner/loved one. This might include them cooking/preparing food and sitting with you to support you through meals.
For carers wishing to provide meal support
For more information:
For medical guidelines on managing eating disorders (non-specific to pregnancy):