What You Should Know About Pregnancy Eating Disorder
The first type of eating disorder is called anorexia. It is characterized by starvation and excessive exercise to stay thin. People with anorexia have an intense fear of being fat. They think that everything in their life would be perfect as long as they are thin. These people are usually very good students, involved in a lot of activities and strive for perfection in everything they do.
People with anorexia may be dangerously thin, however they still see themselves as being too fat. They will deny hunger, which gives them a feeling of control over themselves. Girls with anorexia usually will stop having a menstrual cycle. Severe anorexia requires aggressive treatment in an inpatient facility. Anorexia, if left untreated, can cause death by starvation.
The next type of eating disorder is called bulimia. This is characterized by a cycle of binge eating and purging. The person with bulimia may eat a whole meal or several meals at a time to the point of being painfully full, then they will purge by self-induced vomiting or the use of laxatives to get rid of the excess calories. Their intake of food is sporadic because they may skip several meals and then binge again.
People with bulimia may be at a normal weight or slightly overweight. The complications of bulimia can be cardiovascular problems, bowel dysfunction, and the loss of tooth enamel, causing tooth decay, and menstrual irregularities. Since bulimia is a physical and psychological condition, it requires intensive treatment.
Women with eating disorders may find it very difficult to conceive because of the interruption of the menstrual cycle. If they do conceive, having an eating disorder while pregnant can cause a lot of problems for the unborn child. A fetus needs nutrients from the mother to develop into a healthy baby. The complications that can arise in a pregnant woman that has an eating disorder are:
Premature labor or miscarriage. Low birth weight or birth defects. Stillbirth or fetal demise. Stomach problems or bowel problems. Dangerous complications during labor. It is possible for a woman with an eating disorder to have a healthy baby. However, she must seek treatment. It is important that she receive counseling before, during and after her pregnancy to deal with body image issues. Reaching a healthy weight prior to pregnancy should be the main goal.
It is very important to maintain the healthy weight during pregnancy through well balanced meals and prenatal vitamins to ensure a healthy baby. Post par tum depression can be a big issue for a lot of women after childbirth, so it is vital to continue counseling to keep from developing an eating disorder once again.
Pregnancy and eating disorders are not a good combination. But with determination and the right treatment plan, it is possible to have a beautiful, healthy baby.
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By the way, you can find out more about Pregnancy Eating Disorders on our blog, as well as much more information on what to expect each week during your pregnancy at http://www.WeeklyPregnancyGuide.com
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