Eating Disorders in Pregnancy and Postpartum: A Narrative Review

Background: Eating disorders are forms of psychiatric illnesses characterized by abnormal eating behaviours, disturbed body image, and significant physical consequences. They are among the most common psychiatric disorders in women of reproductive age. Pregnancy is usually a unique period during which there is physiological weight gain, body changes, and changing nutritional demands which may cause onset, recurrence, or aggravate eating disorders. Maternal eating disorders may lead to adverse maternal and/or fetal outcomes.Aim: This narrative review examines the prevalence, clinical characteristics, maternal and fetal outcomes, diagnosis, and management of eating disorders during pregnancy and postpartum.Method: A narrative review of published literature was conducted using electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Studies on eating disorders in pregnancy, including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge-eating disorder, and other specified feeding or eating disorders, were reviewed. Relevant systematic reviews, cohort studies, clinical guidelines, and expert recommendations were also included.Results: Eating disorders may develop, persist, improve, or relapse during pregnancy. Anorexia nervosa is associated with inadequate maternal weight gain, nutritional deficiencies, fetal growth restriction, and preterm birth. Bulimia nervosa and binge-eating disorder are associated with excessive gestational weight gain, gestational diabetes mellitus, hypertensive disorders, and psychological distress in pregnancy. Diagnosis is challenging because symptoms may overlap with normal pregnancy presentations. Effective management is multidisciplinary and should involve collaboration among Obstetricians, Psychiatrists, Dietitians, Clinical Psychologists, Counselors and Mental Health Nurses.Conclusion: Eating disorders during pregnancy require early recognition with specialized and multidisciplinary care. Routine antenatal screening, nutritional monitoring, psychological support, and individualized management are essential in optimizing maternal and fetal outcomes.