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Anorexia nervosa, bulimia, and pregnancy
D E Stewart1, J Raskin, P E Garfinkel
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, St. Michael's Hospital, Ontario, Canada.
American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
|November 1, 1987
Summary
Pregnancy outcomes for women with eating disorders are improved when the condition is in remission. Conceiving with active anorexia nervosa or bulimia can worsen symptoms and affect maternal and infant health.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive health
- Psychiatry
- Maternal-fetal medicine
Background:
- Eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa and bulimia, affect women of reproductive age.
- Previous treatment for eating disorders does not always indicate full remission.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe pregnancy outcomes in women with a history of anorexia nervosa or bulimia.
- To compare outcomes based on eating disorder status at conception.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective follow-up study of 74 women previously treated for eating disorders.
- Assessment of eating disorder status, pregnancy course, delivery, infant health, and postpartum adjustment.
Main Results:
- 15 women conceived 23 pregnancies.
- Remission of eating disorders at conception correlated with greater maternal weight gain, higher birth weights, and better infant Apgar scores.
- Active eating disorder symptoms at conception led to symptom persistence or worsening during pregnancy and postpartum.
Conclusions:
- Delaying pregnancy until eating disorders are in remission is recommended.
- Active eating disorders negatively impact maternal and infant outcomes.