Eating Disorder in Early Stages of Pregnancy

Women in early stages of pregnancy are more prone to eating disorders, reports a study, conducted by researchers at University College London. A survey of 700 pregnant women revealed that nearly one fourth of them were very conscious and worried about weight gain and body shape during pregnancy. Consequently, around 2 percent of the participants were found to fast, exercise intensely, or misuse diuretics to control weight.

The diet intake reported by the pregnant women showed that 12 percent of them overate and lost control of their intake at least two times a week. It is well known that eating disorders affect both the mother and the fetus.

The authors note that most often eating disorders are masked by pregnancy symptoms like vomiting and weight gain and hence the disorder remains undiagnosed.

The researchers urge the physicians to screen the women for eating disorders during their first antenatal check-up.

Source-Medindia