Treating vulnerable populations: The case of eating disorders during pregnancy

Abstract

While eating disorders are a prevalent psychiatric issue for women, only a moderate amount of literature discussing the implications for pregnancy exists and even less explores how to identify and manage eating disorders in this patient population. This is despite known risks for adverse fetal, birth, and maternal outcomes because of these disorders. To enhance standard assessment practice and facilitate early intervention for the eating disordered patient, a general obstetrics role need not dramatically change to improve outcomes for mother and child.

Keywords:

• Obstetrical assessments
• eating disorders
• fetal outcomes
• pregnancy
• reproductive health