Risks of Eating Disorder During Pregnancy
Pregnancy is an extreme stress on the body. It can drain energy and be emotionally overwhelming. When a woman is pregnant it is of the utmost importance that she eats a well balanced diet, stay hydrated and get plenty of exercise. Pre-natal vitamins are a great benefit. Usually, a woman with an eating disorder is not properly nourished.
Eating disorders make women more prone to miscarriage, complications throughout the pregnancy and even birth defects that are so severe they could result in the baby's - or even the mother's - death. If a woman has suffered from anorexia, bulimia, or compulsive overeating for too long, it could even diminish her chances of ever becoming pregnant.
More serious risks to the mother, aside from the problems from the eating disorder alone, are an increased risk of gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia (also known as toxemia), breech birth and spontaneous abortion.
If a woman with an eating disorder does carry her pregnancy full term, the baby is at very high risk of delayed fetal growth, low birth weight, fetal abnormality, death within one month of birth and serious birth defects that may not even be noted until much later.
After the birth, it is crucial to both mother and baby that the treatment for the eating disorder continues. A healthy, well-balanced diet keeps the mother's strength up, fights off postpartum depression and increases the ability for the mother to produce viable breast milk. Remember, breast milk is the infant's only way to receive nutrition and any deficiencies are passed from mother to baby.
For any woman fighting an eating disorder, it is extremely difficult. She is already undergoing high amounts of emotional, mental and physical stress. Adding a pregnancy or baby to the mix could heighten this stress and hinder; or even halt recovery. Having a baby is a big step; make sure you are well into recovery and ready. Remember, a baby will not just bring you additional joy and laughter in your life, but they also bring a lot of responsibilities and duties. Do not get pregnant just because you need to be loved by someone. A baby will need your care and attention and he/she will need you to be strong and healthy.
So if you think that you are ready to get pregnant, or if you are pregnant, you should inform your doctor as soon as possible. Follow closely all the instructions from your doctor to increase nutrition requirements for a healthy pregnancy. This will increase the chance that your baby will be born healthy. You should also seek a counselor to help you deal with your fears and worries as you proceed with your pregnancy. Enroll in childbirth and child development classes. This will give you additional information that can make you feel comfortable throughout your pregnancy and prepare you to a raise healthy child.
Related Tags: pregnancy, eating disorder
Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Eating Disorders
Your Article Search Directory : Find in ArticlesRecent articles in this category:
- Newly Discovered Obesity Gene
Scientists have pinpointed the obesity gene, which can be passed from parent to child. Due to the re - I Realized That Instead Of Willpower, I Was Stuck With A Whole Bunch Of Won't Power!
Like many other people, I've lived most of my life with an eating disorder. However, I really didn't - Heartburn - Is Glutamine a Cure?
The relief and treatment of heartburn, acid reflux, and GERD is a huge billion-dollar-a-year market, - Teen Eating Disorders - What Are The Signs?
Eating disorders mainly occur because of a combination of emotional, physical, and spiritual factors - Size Zero - The New Killer
I am very concerned about our young, and maybe not so young, women today, who seem obsessed with loo - Vegan Diet: Eating Healthy Tips
So first of all, you have to educate yourself about being a vegan.1. Know the facts of the vegan die - Apple Cider Vinegar and Getting Rid of Heartburn
Apple cider vinegar and getting rid of heartburn? The two don't seem to go together. In fact, the th - An Introduction To Eating Disorders
Eating disorders are among those modern conditions which aren't always taken seriously by the wider - From Dieting To Anorexia - Can Dieting Lead To Eating Disorders?
Anorexia nervosa is difficult to combat because victims of this eating disorder are not fully aware - Could Hidden Parasites be Keeping You Fat ?
Horrible parasites may well be the reason that you cannot lose weight now matter what you try
Most viewed articles in this category:
- Eating Disorders - Serious Business
There are four main eating disorders: Anorexia, Bulimia, Binge Eating Disorder, and Compulsive Overe - Anorexia and Bulimia: What Puts The "Die" in Dieting
The media has a powerful influence on trends -- be it fashion, music, or the arts. Media has a huge - Compulsive Overeating: Spotting Signs and Symptoms
Eating Disorders are usually associated with Anorexia and Bulimia. When someone says "eating disord - Why Some People Overeat With Gerd
Gerd, or Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease, is not so much a disease but a chronic condition that str - All You Need To Know About Nervous Anorexia - Part Two
How could parents be responsible for their children's Anorexia and how?Studies concerning factors le - GERD - Medication or Lifestyle Change? Your Choice!
Once your doctor has diagnosed you with acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease you will sta - All You Need To Know About Nervous Anorexia - Part One
Known as well under the definition of Anorexia Nervosa, this disease tends to be a very often encoun - Acid Reflux? What Should I Do If I Have One?
If you experience some acid reflux disease symptoms and suspect that you might be suffering from aci - The Causes of Eating Disorders and Their Symptoms
Most people perceive people with eating disorders as having an obsession with food. However, this p - Understanding The Characteristics Of Anorexia Nervosa
Anorexia has received a lot of publicity in recent years, but how can you identify if someone you lo