It has been estimated that nearly seven million women suffer from some form of eating disorder each year. There are two main types of eating disorders, bulimia and anorexia. Bulimia involves binge eating and purging by forcing vomiting or taking laxatives to eliminate excess calories. Anorexia is a condition where a woman will literally starve herself to keep from gaining weight. Both of these disorders tend to affect women most during their childbearing years. Having either of these disorders during pregnancy can lead to severe complications and even endanger the life of the growing fetus.

Suffering from an eating disorder can make conceiving difficult. Women who have anorexia do not normally have menstrual periods because their bodies are deprived of necessary nutrients. Women with bulimia may menstruate, but it will not be regular or often. Not having a normal menstrual cycle reduces the chance of conception but does not make it impossible.

If a woman who suffers from an eating disorder learns that she is pregnant, some steps need to be taken immediately to avoid complications with the pregnancy. Complications that can occur include premature birth, low birth weight, depression, still birth, miscarriage, and more. Seeking medical advice is the best first step in heading off these complications.

It is strongly advised that a woman who suffers from an eating disorder seek help from a trained nutritionist to adjust her diet to assure a healthy weight gain. Eating balanced meals that provide all the nutrients needed by mother and baby is essential to healthy growth of the fetus and avoiding serious problems later.

It is essential that a woman with bulimia avoid purging. Forcing herself to vomit frequently leads to dehydration as well as depriving the baby of needed nutrients. Many of the medications used to induce diarrhea to shed calories contain ingredients that are known to be harmful to the development of a healthy fetus.

Women who suffer from eating disorders should seek help from mental health providers as well. Therapy, both individual and group, can help a woman to understand why she has reached the point of feeling that she can not gain weight and overcome the mind set that has been created that led to the eating disorder. This is an important step that can lead to being completely cured of the eating disorder and will lead to a healthier lifestyle for both mother and baby.

After childbirth, a woman who suffers from an eating disorder is at an increased risk for postpartum depression. This serious condition can result in the mother harming herself or the baby and requires prompt medical care to treat and correct. Continuing to see a therapist over her eating disorder and any other emotional problems that arise can be a tremendous help in these cases.

Eating disorders affect a large number of women each year. The causes are not entirely clear, but therapy and medical treatment for these disorders do exist. Eating disorders can cause major complications before, during, and after pregnancy, so medical intervention is the best course of action if a woman is dealing with an eating disorder.