What do we Know About Pregnancy and Eating Disorders?

Source Article: Pearsall, M.S., Lin, WC. & O’Shea, N.G. A scoping review of eating disorder symptoms and mental health during the postpartum period: predictors, course, and consequences for mothers and infants. J Eat Disord 14, 95 (2026). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40337-026-01581-2 

Image Source: Pregnancy Icon by Kjerish, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Pregnancy can be a momentous occasion, but it is not always sunshine and rainbows.  Aside from the difficulty of hormone changes, childbirth, and childcare, there is often the discussion of getting your body back to “the way it was”.  Magazines, movies, and other forms of media plague expecting moms with the toxic idea.  Motherhood and body image can be difficult on any individual, but are especially difficult when someone is struggling with an eating disorder.

ED has risen rapidly over the years and is projected to continue with this trend.  Although it is possible to recover from ED, many individuals will continue to suffer from the disorder throughout their lifetime.  This is characterized by relapses, periods of management, and fluctuations between the two states.

Fifteen percent of pregnant women have experienced an ED at least once in their life and 5% of women have an active eating disorder during their pregnancy.  When looking at ED and pregnancy, the postpartum period is when they are most vulnerable. Although the topic of the two intersections: pregnancy and eating disorders is low, a review by Pearsall and colleagues in 2026 were able to gather some insights of ED and care in the postpartum period.  

The researchers who performed the review focused on research between 2000 and 2005. The review included global studies and were not restricted to the United States. Included in the studies were outcomes of infant feeding and health.  Namely, they wanted to focus on 3 questions for consideration.

• During postpartum, what does ED, depression, and anxiety look like and what are the consequences?

• What are the effects of the mother’s feeding practices and infant health?

• What are the screening and treatment options available and are they effective?

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Researchers obtained 624 studies from data bases and focused on analyzing 39 research papers relevant to their inquiry, they found that people who suffered with ED were more likely to experience depression and anxiety during the postpartum period compared to women who do not have a history of ED. Pregnant mothers suffering from ED are especially vulnerable during breastfeeding.

There were mixed findings in infant feeding outcomes. However a mother’s confidence to breast feed and ED were negatively correlated.  This means that the more severe the symptoms of ED were, the less confident mothers were with breastfeeding.   

In a small set of cases, there were women who felt they transferred well to motherhood, but the majority had not shared the sentiment. In both cases success was tied to being able to return to their pre-pregnancy weight and shape and whether they experienced a complicated pregnancy.  Feelings of satisfaction impacted the ability to bond with their child.   

In terms of their last question, unfortunately, they were unable to find research on postpartum treatment or intervention outcomes. This does not necessarily mean that there are no intervention strategies available, but it does indicate that there is a high likelihood that currently, there is no research being done on this topic.  

Although the review was able to pick out some trends with ED, pregnancy, and psychological impact of experiencing both conditions,the review highlighted the need for screening and treatment and the limitations from the lack of research on this topic. Perhaps in the near future, emerging research can shed light on this topic.