Eating orders are just as common during pregnancy as they are in non-pregnant women and the effects of these issues are far reaching and should not be ignored. Around 20% of pregnant women will suffer from one eating disorder or another. Bulimia and binge eating disorder being the most common during pregnancy – especially in western cultures.
There are serious side effects to these sorts of eating disorders when you are not pregnant, so you can only imagine how much damage they can cause to both you and your developing baby while you are pregnant. If you do suffer from an eating disorder, it is important that you consult heath care professionals who can help you.
How Will a Eating Disorder Affect You and Your Baby?
If you do suffer from an eating disorder prior to falling pregnant, then this will significantly limit your chances of falling pregnant. Generally women who suffer from eating disorders will have low hormone levels, and it is not uncommon for anorexics to have menstrual cycles which are either irregular or non existent. If you do suffer from one eating disorder or another while pregnant you are not only placing yourself at risk, but also your baby which is dependent on your body to supply him or her with the necessary nutrients required to grow. There is higher chance of an unsuccessful pregnancy as a result of lack of nutrients to help him/her grow. Studies have shown that even if you have recovered from an eating disorder, you are still likely to have a higher risk pregnancy. The most common complications during pregnancy as a result of a eating disorder include:- Low birth weight babies
- Underdeveloped babies
- Liver disorder in babies
- Cerebral Palsy
- Cleft Palate
- Blindness
- Preterm labor
- Low weight gain over the pregnancy
- Babies with respiratory illnesses and low APGAR scores
- Miscarriage
- Still birth
Getting Help For your Eating Disorder
If you have had an eating disorder previously, or think you may have a eating related issue, then you need to consult with your health care provider as soon as possible. He/She will be able to point you in the right direction to get the problems sorted out and taken care of quickly and effectively.Eating Disorders And Pregnancy
