Have you ever heard of the term "Pregorexia"? It is a combination of the words "pregnancy" and "anorexia," referring to women who are anxious about gaining weight during pregnancy or who fail to adequately nourish themselves and their unborn child. While it is not an actual medical diagnosis, it does describe some very concerning behavior. In this blog, we will go over the different eating disorders and how they affect pregnancy.
How does pregorexia affect women?
During pregnancy, different women gain different amounts of weight, but not gaining enough weight can be dangerous and increase the risk of miscarriage and birth complications. If you restrict your food intake, your baby will not get enough nutrients to develop.
In fact, anorexia and other eating disorders can be very dangerous during pregnancy for both the mother and the baby. It is best to reach an expert and get a healthy diet plan during pregnancy to make sure you get the right nutrition and energy.
Most common eating disorders in pregnant women
Binge eating disorder (BED) is when you eat excessive amounts of food, which leads to high excess weight during pregnancy and a high birth-weight baby. Women with BED tend to skip meals – especially breakfast – and stay without food for long hours between binges. The disorder can expose the baby to long periods without nutrients followed by sudden sugar rushes.
Bulimia (binge eating followed by self-induced vomiting, excessive exercise, or laxative use) and purging disorder (self-induced vomiting or laxative abuse without binge eating) can deprive a baby of essential nutrients. Purging can also deplete the electrolytes of the mother, which can be hazardous to both her and her baby.
Who is at a higher risk of developing eating disorders during pregnancy?
Commonly, women with a history of eating disorders are most at risk of these eating disorders during pregnancy. Especially first-time mothers who are not ready for the changes happening in their bodies. Once the weight gain starts, it can trigger their disordered thoughts and lead them into a restrictive mode of food.
Eating disorders can also affect mothers who have never experienced them before, especially if they are startled by the weight gain and begin adopting unhealthy eating habits.
In the end:
If you have ever suffered from an eating disorder and are planning to get pregnant, reach out to me. I am Christelle Bedrossian, an expert dietician in Dubai, specializing in diet programs during pregnancy as well as post-pregnancy. I am also a specialist in emotional eating programs and can help you break free from the unhealthy eating pattern. I will provide you with much-needed support so that you can take important steps to have a healthy pregnancy for you and your baby. I will follow you during your pregnancy so you don't gain more than the needed weight, and after the pregnancy, you will lose the extra weight easily and healthily. Get in touch now!
