Anorexia and Pregnancy Nutrition

Many women who have struggled with eating disorders worry about how their past illness will affect their baby and their ability to achieve successful pregnancy nutrition. It's understandable that you will be sensitive to your pregnancy weight gain, but proper nutrition is extremely important at this time in your life and in the life of your baby.

Make sure to let your doctor know about your history of anorexia so that he or she can help track appropriate weight gain and development of the fetus. Normal pregnancy weight gain is 25 to 35 pounds on average.

If you own a scale and weigh yourself frequently, start limiting yourself to weigh-ins at the doctor's office. Thinking ahead to your postpartum care also may help you get through your pregnancy. Bear in mind that while baby weight does not immediately disappear when you deliver, good nutrition and a normal exercise routine will provide an appropriate, safe weight recovery plan.

Finally, during pregnancy you may experience some emotions that stem from past experiences and current fears. If you feel these emotions are intense, persistent and may cause you to hurt yourself or your baby, call your doctor immediately. You may need to seek counseling and/or medical intervention to help you through this tough time.