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Postnatal depression, eating, exercise, and vomiting before and during pregnancy
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Sydney, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, New South Wales, Australia. sabraham@med.usyd.edu.au
The International Journal of Eating Disorders
|April 4, 2001
Summary
Postnatal distress in women is linked to pre-pregnancy and pregnancy weight concerns and disordered eating behaviors. Low-intensity exercise may reduce distress, while eating disorders increase risk for postnatal problems.
Area of Science:
- Perinatal mental health
- Maternal psychology
- Eating disorders and pregnancy
Background:
- Postnatal distress affects maternal well-being.
- Understanding factors influencing postnatal distress is crucial for early intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between pre-pregnancy and pregnancy eating, exercise, and weight-loss behaviors and postnatal distress.
- To identify specific risk and protective factors for postnatal distress.
Main Methods:
- 181 healthy women who recently gave birth were interviewed.
- Standardized interviews and the Edinburgh Postnatal Distress Questionnaire were used.
- Regression analysis identified predictors of postnatal distress.
Main Results:
- Fear of weight gain, preoccupation with food, and vomiting during pregnancy were associated with higher distress.
- Low-intensity exercise for shape/weight concerns during pregnancy was linked to less distress.
- Maternal age, binge eating, and pre-pregnancy vomiting were preliminary predictors; eating disorders significantly increased distress.
Conclusions:
- Postnatal distress is associated with body image concerns, disordered eating, and vomiting during pregnancy.
- Low-intensity exercise may have a protective role.
- Women with eating disorders are at higher risk for postnatal complications.