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Pregnant Woman in Nature

Eating Disorders and Pregnancy Treatment, Prenatal Nutrition Therapy in the St. Louis Area, Missouri, and Illinois

Registered Dietitian Nutritionists Provide Help for Pregnant Women Struggling with Anorexia, Bulimia, Orthorexia, Disordered Eating, and Other Eating Disorders, Experience Recovery and Reduce Risks During Pregnancy and Labor

Improve your relationship with food and body. Normalize eating patterns and behaviors. Achieve healthy weight gain. Reduce the risk of nutritional deficiencies. Support the healthy development of your growing baby.

What is the prevalence of eating disorders during pregnancy?

It’s estimated that 1-4% of pregnant women may experience an eating disorder during pregnancy. Oftentimes, cases of eating disorders during pregnancy may go undiagnosed or unreported making it challenging to determine the true prevalence.

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We provide online and in-person outpatient eating disorder nutrition therapy, giving moms-to-be the tools they need to improve their relationship with food and body, reduce their risk of complications during pregnancy and labor, and get compassionate treatment that leads to lasting recovery. Get help today.

Plate of Fruits

Can not eating enough cause birth defects?

Unfortunately, yes! Adequate nutrition during pregnancy is essential for the baby’s growth and development. Severe malnutrition or nutrient deficiencies, especially during critical periods of fetal development can increase the risk of birth defects.

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Nutrients of concern for all women during pregnancy include iron, folic acid, vitamin D, choline, calcium, zinc, DHA omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin B12. Oftentimes, pregnant women with eating disorders have a deficiency for each of these nutrients in addition to vitamin C and potassium intake. Along with establishing healthier eating patterns and improving diet to include key nutrients, we encourage the women we work with to take a  prenatal vitamin.

Pregnancy

How does unhealthy eating affect pregnancy?

Nutrition is key to a healthy pregnancy and the healthy development of your baby. Not consuming enough calories, the lack of a nutrient-rich diet, or consuming a lot of ultra-processed foods can lead to issues such as:
 

  • Nutrient Deficiencies

  • Maternal health risks, such as anemia, fatigue, and poor immune functioning

  • Preeclampsia

  • Gestational Diabetes (with women struggling with bulimia nervosa)

  • Low birth weight, preterm birth, and developmental delays

  • High birth weight and difficult labor, increasing the risk of needing a C-section

  • Higher risk of miscarriage (in particular with women with anorexia nervosa)

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Our bodies need adequate nutrition in order to function best. This includes a variety of nutritious and fun foods throughout the day.

Doctor Examining Pregnant Woman

What are the dangers of eating too much during pregnancy?

Some potential risks for both the mom and the baby may include gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, excessive weight gain, fetal macrosomia, and increased risk of childhood health issues for the baby.

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Develop a healthy relationship with food and body, manage cravings, and decrease risks during pregnancy and labor with individualized dietary interventions.

What does medical nutrition therapy include for women who are struggling with eating disorders and pregnancy?

Medical nutrition therapy (MNT) for pregnancy and disordered eating includes a very individualized plan to address both the nutritional needs of the mother and the health of the developing baby.

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Treatment should include a multidisciplinary team including your dietitian, therapist, ObGyn, and psychiatrist, among others. It takes a comprehensive approach to address the eating disorder and the specific nutrient needs of both the developing baby and pregnant woman.

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As dietitian nutritionists, we provide online and in-person nutrition therapy. As part of your healing process, we do the following:

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  • Assess weight and body image concerns

  • Understand how you feel about your eating disorder during pregnancy

  • Assess nutrient deficiencies

  • Assess overall caloric intake

  • Assist with meal planning

  • Address aversions or challenges related to the specific ED

  • Minimize eating disorder behaviors

  • Provide ongoing support during the postpartum period

  • Teach intuitive eating and mindfulness techniques

 

We provide compassionate, caring nutrition therapy and support to families and women struggling with anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, and disordered eating while pregnant. We can help you overcome your challenges and restore your relationship with food and body.

 

Recovery is possible. Get help today.

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