Pregnant women with anorexia face higher risks like stillbirth, having underweight babies, or giving birth prematurely.
However, there are no clear guidelines for doctors to manage this condition during pregnancy.
Let's find out more.
It's even more serious than we used to think
Anorexia nervosa is more common among women of childbearing age, with around one in 200 pregnant women affected.
This condition is often associated with restricting food, binge-eating, or purging behaviors, or a combination of these.
Many existing assessment tools and measures are not suitable for pregnant women who have anorexia, and these need to be adapted.
It has to be fixed
Anorexia can significantly damage both the pregnant woman and her baby due to issues like low calorie dieting, nutrient deficiencies, stress, fasting, low body mass, and placental problems.
It can also lead to psychological and also psychosocial risks, such as perinatal depression and anxiety.
Research also discovered that pregnant ladies with anorexia had a significantly higher risk of preterm birth, low birth weight, and stillbirth.
The scientists recommend a multidisciplinary approach for managing anorexia nervosa during pregnancy.
This involves experts in mental health, specialized medical care, dietetics, obstetrics, and pediatrics.
While principles for managing anorexia in adults can be adapted for pregnant women, they need to be modified to address the physiological, psychological, and social changes in pregnancy while ensuring the well-being of the developing fetus.
