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Recognising the Symptoms: How Common Are Eating Disorders in Pregnancy?

2013; Wiley; Volume: 21; Issue: 4 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1002/erv.2229

1099-0968

Abigail Easter, Amanda Bye, Emma Taborelli, Freya Corfield, Ulrike Schmidt, Janet Treasure, Nadia Micali,

Gestational Diabetes Research and Management

Objectives This study aimed to investigate eating disorder diagnostic status and related symptoms in early pregnancy. Methods Pregnant women (n=739), attending their first routine antenatal scan, were assessed using an adapted version of the Eating Disorder Diagnostic Scale (EDDS). Prevalence estimates and eating disorder symptoms were assessed during the first 3 months of pregnancy and, retrospectively, in the 6 to 12 months prior to pregnancy. Results During pregnancy 7.5% of women met diagnostic criteria for an eating disorder, compared to prepregnancy prevalence of 9.2%. Approximately one quarter (23.4%) of women reported high weight and shape concern during pregnancy; binge eating was endorsed by 8.8%, and 2.3% of women engaged in regular compensatory behaviours. Conclusions Eating disorders are more common than previously thought in pregnancy. There is a clinical need for increased understanding of eating disorder symptomatology during pregnancy and for appropriate screening tools to be incorporated into antenatal care. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.