A Review of Risk Factors, Adverse Outcomes, and Counseling Strategies Among Pregnant Individuals with Eating Disorders

Abstract

Background: Eating disorders (EDs) among women of childbearing age have become more prevalent on the global level. Identifying at-risk populations of women having EDs before, during, or after pregnancy is essential for clinicians to improve treatment and decrease the likelihood of negative maternal and/or fetal outcomes. Purpose: The purpose is to determine risk factors for women who have EDs throughout pregnancy, to identify negative pregnancy outcomes of women suffering from EDs, and to explore treatment and counseling options through the postpartum period. Methods: This literature review mainly utilizes sources from PubMed and the National Institute of Health databases. An expansive list of search terms were used, such as: pregnancy, EDs, anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder, mental health, age, counseling, depression, anxiety, postpartum, and breastfeeding. Results: Younger women with a history of EDs or who are actively suffering from EDs are at high risk for negative maternal and fetal outcomes in pregnancy. EDs can be identified by clinicians asking thorough medical histories, highlighting key terms of common vulnerabilities amongst this patient population. A multidisciplinary team approach consisting of clinicians, psychologists, nutritionists, and hospitalists are important for treating pregnant women with EDs. Conclusion: EDs in pregnancy are considered high risk and can lead to severe negative outcomes. EDs should be identified early on and treated through the postpartum period. More research on treatment and counseling for this patient population continues to be a gap in the literature and in the clinic.