Let’s Talk About EDs in the Perinatal Period

Some important statistics to know:

- The National Alliance for EDs states: 12% of pregnant people report eating disorder symptoms during pregnancy/postpartum (symptoms during pregnancy, such as nausea and vomiting can trigger relapses)

- A comprehensive literature review of research studies showed that 15% of pregnant women had an eating disorder at some point in their lives, and 5% of pregnant women have a diagnosable eating disorder.

- In a second systematic review of eating disorders in pregnant and breastfeeding women, it was shown that 40.2% of pregnant women are concerned about weight gain in pregnancy, and 17.3% have binge eating episodes - all of which contributes to an increased risk of anxiety and depression in pregnancy and postpartum.

This study also showed in postpartum, dissatisfaction with body is common. At one month PP, 75% of women are concerned about weight retention. By 4 months PP, 70% are trying to lose weight. During this time, there was an increase in food restraint/avoidance/rules.

-Research has indicated that 1 in 5 birth parents experience one or more PMADs.

The actual number of PMADs is most likely much higher, as it is common for mental health conditions to be underreported due to stigma and shame.

-AND struggles with food and body - whether or not it is a diagnosable eating disorder - rarely (if ever) exist on their own.

The majority of the time (if not all the time) they have high co-occurrence rates with other mental health conditions, such as:

✅ Depression

✅ Anxiety

✅ PTSD

✅ OCD

✅ Bipolar Disorder

And why is this?

Because a hyperfocus on food and body is a means of COPING with other challenges.

So, if 1 in 5 birth parents are experiencing a PMAD, and eating disorders have high co-occurrences with other mental health conditions, there is a STRONG chance battles with food and body are getting missed.

- It is SO important to note the prevalence of struggles with food and body during pregnancy, postpartum, and parenthood (the perinatal period).

If you are or someone you love is struggling with food and/or their body in pregnancy and postpartum, please reach out for support. You can find eating disorder resources here, a perinatal mental health therapist here, or - if you are interested in working with me - click here. You don’t have to go through this alone.