Eating Disorders · Texas behavioral health news
'I felt trapped': The hidden struggle of eating disorders facing pregnant women - BBC
Eating Disorders (Google News) · June 17, 2026
In plain language
Pregnancy and the first year after birth can trigger or worsen eating disorders due to rapid body changes and high stress. About one in 20 pregnant women experience these struggles, yet the issue often goes unnoticed by doctors. Symptoms like morning sickness can hide signs of bulimia, and many women feel too ashamed to ask for help. Proper nutritional support and mental health care are essential for the wellbeing of both the parent and the baby during this transition.
AI-generated summary of the source article. Not medical advice.
Key takeaways
- About 5% to 7.5% of pregnant individuals meet the diagnostic criteria for an eating disorder.
- Eating disorders during pregnancy can increase the risk of premature birth and low birth weight.
- Physical symptoms of pregnancy, such as vomiting, can make it difficult for doctors to identify disordered eating.
- Societal pressure to quickly lose baby weight can trigger a relapse during the postpartum period.
- New clinical guidelines and resources are being developed to help healthcare providers better support pregnant patients.
'I felt trapped': The hidden struggle of eating disorders facing pregnant women BBC
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