How to Protect Your Mental and Physical Health While Expecting
Eating disorders—such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder—are serious mental health conditions that can affect anyone. However, they are more commonly experienced by women, and pregnancy can sometimes intensify or trigger these struggles.
Eating too little, eating excessively, purging, using laxatives, or overexercising are all behaviors associated with eating disorders. These patterns are not part of a healthy lifestyle and can be especially dangerous during pregnancy, when proper nutrition and mental wellness are crucial for both the mother and the developing baby.
Pregnancy places additional demands on a woman’s body. If someone is struggling with an eating disorder, these demands may not be met—leading to risks that affect both mother and child. Medical experts warn of the following potential complications:
- Nutritional deficiencies that affect fetal development
- Low birth weight and premature birth
- Miscarriage
- Gestational diabetes or preeclampsia
- Postpartum depression
- Difficulty breastfeeding
- Stillbirth in extreme cases
- Delayed development or growth issues in the baby
Left untreated, eating disorders can have long-term consequences for both physical and mental health.
If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant and have a current or past history of an eating disorder, there is hope. With the right care, many women can have safe and healthy pregnancies.
Here are expert-recommended self-care strategies:
- Seek Professional Help Early
Speak to a healthcare provider or mental health professional who understands both eating disorders and the unique challenges of pregnancy. Early treatment significantly lowers the risk of complications.
- Build a Support Team
Your care should be coordinated across professionals, including:
- A trusted OB-GYN
- A mental health therapist
- A registered dietitian familiar with eating disorders
Together, they can provide a plan that supports both your mental and physical health.
- Prioritize Nutrient-Rich Foods
Rather than focusing on calorie counts or weight gain, shift your attention to foods that nourish you and your baby. A dietitian can guide you in planning balanced, realistic meals that support pregnancy.
- Practice Self-Compassion
Pregnancy changes the body in many natural ways. Try to be gentle with yourself. Celebrate what your body is doing rather than how it looks.
- Limit Exposure to Triggers
Stay away from environments and media that promote diet culture, body shaming, or unrealistic body expectations. Curate a space that supports healing and positivity.
- Create a Supportive Routine
Structure can reduce anxiety. Aim for regular meals, light physical activity as advised by your doctor, consistent rest, and relaxation activities such as meditation or journaling.
- Be Open with Your Providers
Your healthcare team is there to support you without judgment. Share your struggles so they can better assist you in navigating your pregnancy safely.
Please contact your provider urgently if you experience:
- Frequent vomiting
- Inadequate weight gain or ongoing weight loss
- Intense emotional distress about body changes
- Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
You Are Not Alone
Pregnancy can be a challenging time, especially for those living with or recovering from an eating disorder. But you are not alone, and you don’t have to go through this without help. With the right support, it is absolutely possible to have a healthy pregnancy, a healthy baby, and a healthy you.
If you or someone you know is struggling, don’t wait—reach out for help today.