Pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes in women with eating disorders: a four-year longitudinal study with case series

Machado, Bárbara César; Gonçalves, Sónia; Duarte, Sofia; Brandão, Isabel; Roma-Torres, António; Soares, Filipa

http://hdl.handle.net/10400.14/55923

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Authors

Machado, Bárbara César

Abstract(s)

Background/Objectives: Eating disorders (EDs) often affect fertility, yet many women with ED still become mothers. The pattern of ED symptoms during pregnancy and postpartum, along with their effects on maternal and child health, is not yet fully understood. This longitudinal study aimed to (1) examine the course of ED symptoms from conception to postpartum, (2) evaluate pregnancy outcomes and children’s health and developmental milestones, and (3) assess ED status approximately four years after the initial evaluation. Methods: Thirty women with a prior ED diagnosis (21 with anorexia nervosa, 9 with bulimia nervosa) were evaluated at two time points. Time 1 with the Eating Disorders Examination and the Oxford Risk Factors for Eating Disorders: Interview Schedule; Time 2, approximately four years later, with the Eating Disorders Examination and the Clinical Interview on Reproductive History and Eating Behavior that also included clinical data related to mother’s health and baby’s health and development accessed through the Pregnant Women’s Health Bulletin and the Child and Youth Health Bulletin using the national health records. Results: ED symptoms (dietary restriction, self-induced vomiting, laxative misuse) persisted from conception through postpartum. BN participants reported more severe symptoms and higher rates of pregnancy complications (hyperemesis gravidarum, gestational diabetes, preeclampsia), while premature births occurred only in AN participants. Children of mothers with AN more frequently showed delays in developmental milestones (sitting, walking, speaking, sphincter control) compared to those of BN mothers. Conclusions: A substantial proportion of women with prior ED continued to experience symptoms during and after pregnancy, and nearly half still met diagnostic criteria four years later and are still in treatment. Cognitive features such as body dissatisfaction persisted despite partial symptom remission. These findings highlight the chronicity of ED and underscore the need for systematic screening, psychological support, and interdisciplinary follow-up during pregnancy and early motherhood.

Keywords

Baby and childern's development Course and outcome of ED symptoms Eating disorders Postpartum Pregnancy

URI

http://hdl.handle.net/10400.14/55923

Citation

Machado, B. C., Gonçalves, S., Duarte, S., & Brandão, I. et al. (2025). Pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes in women with eating disorders: a four-year longitudinal study with case series. Pediatric Reports, 17(6), Article 114. https://doi.org/10.3390/pediatric17060114