Eating Disorders During Pregnancy & Postpartum: The Conversation We’re Not Having
Eating disorders don't pause for pregnancy or parenthood - and for many, the risk actually increases during this season of life. Yet food and body struggles during pregnancy, postpartum, and early parenthood remain one of the most under-discussed mental health issues in perinatal care.
The Numbers Behind Eating Disorders
According to the National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA):
9% of the U.S. population - roughly 30 million Americans - will experience an eating disorder in their lifetime.
One person dies every 52 minutes as a direct result of an eating disorder.
22% of children and adolescents worldwide show signs of disordered eating.
Eating disorders carry the second-highest mortality rate of any psychiatric illness, behind opioid addiction.
Eating Disorders and Pregnancy: What the Research Shows
About 1 in 20 pregnant women is at risk for an eating disorder during pregnancy.
Women with a current or past eating disorder diagnosis - regardless of subtype - face a higher risk of adverse pregnancy and neonatal complications.
Research suggests around 15% of pregnant women will experience an eating disorder at some point in their lives, and roughly 5% experience one during pregnancy.
The Link Between Eating Disorders and Suicide Risk
Suicide is one of the leading causes of death among people diagnosed with an eating disorder.
An estimated 31% of people with anorexia nervosa, 23% with bulimia nervosa, and 23% with binge eating disorder have attempted suicide.
People with binge eating disorder are 4.8 times more likely to attempt suicide than those without an eating disorder.
Why I'm Talking About This
In my 12 years of treating eating disorders, I've worked with countless parents moving in and out of treatment. Food and body struggles during pregnancy, postpartum, and parenthood are common - and they deserve far more visibility than they get.
That's why I'm here to keep shedding light on this topic. I'm not planning on stopping anytime soon.
If you're navigating food, body, or eating concerns during pregnancy or postpartum, [book a free 15-minute intro call] to talk about support options.
