| Eating disorders and pregnancy | 362.000000000000 | Eating disorders and pregnancy | Eating disorders and pregnancy | E | English | Pregnancy | Adult (19+) | Body | Reproductive system | Conditions and diseases | Prenatal
Adult (19+) | NA | | 2009-09-11T04:00:00Z | | | | | | 10.4000000000000 | 51.8000000000000 | 507.000000000000 | | Flat Content | Health A-Z | <p>Learn about the effect of eating disorders such as anorexia on pregnancy. It is important to have a positive attitude about weight gain during pregnancy.</p> | <p>Anorexia and bulimia are eating disorders and mental health conditions that involve distorted body image and cause sufferers to be obsessed with being thin or losing weight. They lose a lot of weight and are afraid to gain weight. People with anorexia under-eat to maintain an unhealthy low weight. Bulimia involves binge eating followed by purging (vomiting, use of laxatives or other pills) to rid their body of calories they consumed. Anorexia and bulimia can cause complications during pregnancy for the unborn baby and the mother.</p> | | <h2>Key points</h2>
<ul><li>If you have anorexia or bulimia and you are pregnant, your baby will have a hard time getting nutrients which can result in malnourishment.<br></li>
<li>Laxatives and water pills can damage the developing baby and should not be taken during pregnancy.</li>
<li>Seek medical attention if you are pregnant and have an eating disorder so that your health-care professional can help you take control of the condition.</li></ul> | <h2>Effects of anorexia or bulimia during pregnancy</h2><p>If you have anorexia or bulimia and you are pregnant, your baby is already at a disadvantage because your body’s nutritional reserves are low. The faster you can accept your illness and get it under the control, the better the outcome will be for you and your baby. If you can take control of your eating disorder, your baby has a good chance of being healthy. Let your health-care provider know about your eating disorder so that they can help you determine the best ways to cope. Seek counselling from a professional who specializes in the treatment of eating disorders. A support group may also be helpful. </p><p>Laxatives and water pills can damage the developing baby and should not be taken during pregnancy. These drugs remove nutrients from the mother’s body before she has a chance to nourish the unborn baby. Malnutrition of the unborn baby can lead to birth defects. If you cannot stay away from laxatives and water pills, binging or purging, or starving yourself, speak with your doctor about the possibility of hospitalization to get your condition under control. </p><h2>Maintaining a positive attitude about weight gain during pregnancy</h2><p>As you gain weight during pregnancy, you may feel depressed about your changing shape, especially since you are suffering from an eating disorder. Remind yourself that your growing belly is beautiful, and gaining a moderate amount of weight each month is healthy. Stick to a nutritious diet and do exercises that are appropriate for pregnancy. </p><p>After you give birth, keep in mind that your pregnancy weight will not simply drop off in the first few days. It takes at least six weeks to lose the weight in a healthy manner. Dieting, binging, and purging will interfere with your recovery, and will affect your ability to produce breast milk. Try to continue with counselling to make sure that your eating disorder does not take over your life again. </p> | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/AKHAssets/eating_disorders_and_pregnancy.jpg | | | | | | | Eating disorders and pregnancy | | False | | | | | | |
