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Reproductive issues in anorexia nervosa

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Pages 403-414 | Published online: 10 Jan 2014
 

Abstract

Despite a high prevalence of menstrual irregularities, women with anorexia nervosa are becoming pregnant. The physical and psychological demands of pregnancy and motherhood can represent an immense challenge for women already struggling with the medical and psychological stress of an eating disorder. This article summarizes key issues related to reproduction in women with anorexia nervosa, highlighting the importance of preconception counseling, adequate gestational weight gain, and sufficient pre- and post-natal nutrition. Postpartum issues including eating disorder symptom relapse, weight loss, breastfeeding, and risk of perinatal depression and anxiety are also discussed.

Financial & competing interests disclosure

Elizabeth Hoffman is supported by the Ruth L Kirschstein National Research Service Award (F30MH087998). Stephanie Zerwas is supported by an NIH Building Interdisciplinary Careers in Women’s Health award (K12-HD01441). The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.

Notes

DSM-IV: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual IV.

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