Pregnancy Eating Disorder

Pregnancy Eating Disorder Dangers

Eating disorders include anorexia, bulimia, and variations on each. Anorexia is restrictive eating, which means taking in too few calories. Bulimia is binge eating, sometimes with purging (vomiting) as well. Both of these eating disorders can wreak havoc on your body and with a pregnancy.

For starters, eating disorders can cause electrolyte abnormalities. If electrolytes aren't properly balanced in your blood, your heart can actually stop beating. Other complications of eating disorders include liver, kidney damage, and malnutrition.

Trouble for the Baby

Babies born to women with eating disorders are at higher risk for certain complications. Miscarriages and stillbirths appear to be more common, too.

Possible complications include:

• Premature birth
• Low birth weight
• Trouble breathing
• Abnormal blood pressure
• Difficulty maintaining body temperature

Getting Pregnant if You Have an Eating Disorder

A woman's body needs a certain amount of fat in order to have normal menstrual cycles. Women who are very thin may stop having periods and they may not ovulate every month. If you don't ovulate, you can't get pregnant.

Part of the recovery process after your periods have stopped because of an eating disorder is to gain back enough weight to begin having periods again. You'll have to keep that weight on, and probably even gain more, throughout a pregnancy. Your doctor will probably recommend staying at a healthy weight afterward, too, to protect you against osteoporosis and other problems.

Pregnancy and Other Eating Problems

Although they're not technically considered eating disorders, there are some eating problems that are more likely during pregnancy.

Pica

Pica is an eating disorder during pregnancy that involves eating substances that aren't food. Pregnant women may have cravings for dirt, clay, or laundry starch. Other, less common cravings include ice, rocks, soap, plaster, and other non-food substances.

Doctors don't know what causes pica. It might be related to an iron deficiency or to other vitamin or mineral deficiencies. In some women, it can be a symptom of an underlying psychological problem.

Women who are experiencing pica should talk to their doctors. Eating non-food substances can be dangerous. Even if the substance you're craving is harmless, you need to be checked for vitamin deficiencies. The doctor may be able to recommend treatment to help the cravings, including vitamin supplements.

Funny Foods

When you're pregnant, your senses of taste and smell may change. It may become more sensitive, or you may develop a special fondness for certain foods. Cravings for unusual food combinations aren't a problem unless you're taking in something that's bad for you or the baby (such as alcohol) or you're substituting a healthy diet with the foods you crave.

Still, when you ask for pickles and peanut butter or demand ice cream at 3am, your partner might think you have a pregnancy eating disorder. Run any odd or overwhelming cravings by your doctor. Once you have his or her go-ahead, enjoy the foods you want to eat. You and your partner will probably laugh about it later.

Hungry All the Time

Feeling hungry all the time can seem like a pregnancy eating disorder, too. Your partner, co-workers, or friends might wonder why you're always looking for a snack. You might be worried about it, too, especially if you're concerned about gaining too much weight.

You do need to eat a little more when you're pregnant, so it's normal to want an extra snack. Don't let anyone give you a hard time! Remember, though, "eating for two" doesn't literally mean doubling your intake. To stay healthy through the hunger, pack low-calorie goodies like fresh fruit and vegetables. Or divide your meals up and eat four, five, or six small meals instead of three large ones. This can help ward off nausea and indigestion, too.