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Eating disorders are complex mental illnesses with a range of different causes. There are different types of eating disorder, including these:

Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder where people feel very anxious about eating, their weight, or both, and may see themselves as overweight. They try to keep their weight as low as possible by restricting and controlling what they eat. They may also use other methods to control their weight such as excessive exercise or 'purging', for example by vomiting and taking laxatives and diuretics.

Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder where people can feel disconnected from eating or feel out of control. This leads to episodes of eating large quantities of food (bingeing) and then trying to compensate by excessive exercise or ‘purging’, for example by vomiting and taking laxatives and diuretics.

Binge eating disorder is an eating disorder where people may feel disconnected from eating or feel out of control, so they eat large amounts of food (bingeing) in a short time. However, they do not try to compensate for this with ‘purging’.

 

Find out more

SIGN patient information booklet based on SIGN Guideline 164 - Eating disordersExternal link

NHS informExternal link

 

What to expect during and after pregnancy

Pregnancy and the time after you give birth can be difficult, both physically and emotionally. An eating disorder can make things more complicated.

Pregnancy can make you think about your body differently as you balance managing an eating disorder with looking after your unborn child. Your healthcare professional will discuss with you any difficulties you are having.

 

Your health professional can explore with you how your difficulties might change during your pregnancy or after you give birth and what help and support you might need.

 

If you have had an eating disorder in the past, you might have an increased risk of a relapse, for example in the postnatal period. Getting help early will help prevent a relapse and ensure you and your baby have the best start.

 

If you have had an eating disorder in the past, there might be a risk of experiencing postnatal depression or anxiety. You might find it helpful to read more about these conditions so that you notice any difficulties early on and share them with the health professionals who are looking after you. Then you can get the right help at the right time.

 

Your health professional might refer you for extra support, such as from a perinatal mental health team or an eating disorder service, depending on your preference and what will help you.

 

During pregnancy your health or your baby’s growth might need closer monitoring.

 

You will be monitored to make sure you do not have anaemia, as this may be more likely if you have an eating disorder. 

 

You may need extra support if there are concerns about your nutrition or your baby's growth during pregnancy.

Anaemia is a condition that develops when your blood produces a reduced number of healthy red blood cells.

Information and support

Wednesday's child websiteExternal link

  • Recovery community for people with eating disorders with useful online training and support, blogs from people with lived experience.

 

Eating disorders in pregnancy | Tommy's (tommys.org)External link

 

Parenting in Recovery – How do you get well from your eating disorder, while actively parenting? - YouTubeExternal link

 

Nutrition resources:

Nutrition Leaflets for Women – Eating Disorders and PregnancyExternal link

 

Healthy weight change in pregnancy: Weight Change in Pregnancy – Eating Disorders and PregnancyExternal link

 

Nutrition needs for mum and baby: Nutrition Needs for Mum and Baby Month by Month – Eating Disorders and PregnancyExternal link

 

Managing eating disorders in pregnancy: Managing Eating Disorder Symptoms in Pregnancy – Eating Disorders and PregnancyExternal link

 

Beat, eating disorders charity: I need support now - Beat (beateatingdisorders.org.uk)External link