Eating Disorders Awareness Week 2019: Know About Bulimia During Pregnancy

Feb 26, 2019 4:00 PM

National Eating Disorders Awareness Week 2019 is from February 25 to March 3. Do you want to learn more about bulimia during pregnancy and how to help? Keep reading to find out more.

Eating Disorders Awareness Week 2019: Know About Bulimia During Pregnancy- What Can be Done and How?

Bulimia Nervosa is a type of eating disorder which most commonly follows a pattern of binge eating and purging food. It is the most popular eating disorder among women (behind anorexia nervosa), with 1 in 5 women experiencing symptoms of the disorder. Warning signs of bulimia include self-induced vomiting, binge eating, depression, and isolation from loved ones. Quick and abnormal weight loss is another sign to look our for if you think somebody in your life may be suffering through the disorder.

Bulimia during pregnancy can cause a number of problems, including a higher likelihood of having a miscarriage a premature delivery, and postpartum depression. Bulimia in itself can result in gastrointestinal issues as well as cardiovascular difficulties.

It is more common for women with a previous history of bulimia to have it resurge during the earlier stages of pregnancy than it is for someone without a previous history to develop it (although either may happen).

Based on a study on the development of the disorder in pregnant women, it was found that:

“By the third trimester 15 women (75%) had stopped all bulimia behavior and in the remainder the disturbed eating was less severe”.

Br J Psychiatry. 1987 Jun; 150: 777-81

This was associated with the idea that the focus of the mother really tunes into the health of her unborn child before herself. The “motherly instinct” that ends up surfacing during the later stages of pregnancy is apparently a possible (temporary) treatment for it.

If you believe that you suffer from bulimia, pregnant or not, consult with a medical professional to receive the help that you need. Bulimia can be treated with a combination of psychotherapy, nutritional therapy, and possibly medication. There is no cure yet for the disorder but working with a trusted medical professional on a treatment plan is an effective option.

Do you have any tips on how to fight bulimia during pregnancy? Let me know in the comments below.