Eating disorder and pregnant

taylorharris01 · March 2015

Hi,

I'm trying to find other women who are suffering from an eating disorder and being pregnant. Now before a ton of people start judging. I am not starving my child and purging was not my thing. I was anorexic prior to pregnancy. Since being pregnant I eat regularly and try my best to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

My biggest struggle is the fact that I'm gaining so much weight. I'm 17w and I have put on 19lbs. It's very very hard and I feel like I put on more than most women. Anyone else havingn these struggles? Is this weight normal? My doctor isn't concerned.

jessyluscious77 · March 2015

This is probably a good question for your doctor. We don't know your medical history concerning the anorexia. The fact that you are gaining weight means you are headed in the right direction. How much weight you should gain during pregnancy varies by the person and what they weighed prior to pregnancy.

I'm overweight, my doctor would like me to gain no more than 15 lbs. However, the average BMI woman should gain around 35 lbs during the pregnancy. More if you were underweight to start with. It sounds like you are right on track to me. Confirm with your doctor at your next appointment.

diwersen · March 2015

I was at a normal bmi to start my pregnancy and have already gained 20 pounds at 19 weeks. For someone my size to begin with this is a little much but I'm trying not to stress it and just stay healthy/ positive for the baby. For someone like yourself who sounds underweight heading into pregnancy I think 19 lbs is on the right track! And I'm sure you look great!

krp1508 · March 2015

If you were under weight to begin with, then your weight gain range is a little higher than the average. Your body is doing exactly what it is supposed to be doing. I am up 16 pounds at 16 weeks. I was average bmi before pregnancy and I will probably gain another 20 to 25. I gain about 40 pounds during pregnancy... This is my third. Hang in there... Remember that some of your weight gain is fluid, extra blood flow, boobs, baby of course later on. Take this time to try and enjoy the body that your sweet baby has taken over

Gooblin · March 2015

It is very hard! I have gained 75lbs twice and as soon as baby is born am back to insane dieting and working out and get small again. After My last baby I worked very hard to not be so dramatic about weight loss and focus on health. It is very hard but this is my fourth baby and I'm trying hard to find balance so when I'm done being pregnant I don't feel so compeled to go insane and restrict everything. It messes with your head but just take it one day at a time. Esspecially being pregnant so your baby will get what it needs then take it one day at a time after you have baby. My frustration is finding the middle ground! I overeat when pregnant because I'm scared to death I'm going to hurt baby by not eating enough because I'm used to not eating enough.

abbycjones · March 2015

I agree with all the previous posters. If you were under weight before your pregnancy, you're probably on track. But talk to your doctor if you're concerned.

I can't imagine the challenge of being pregnant and struggling with an eating disorder. It sounds like you're handling it well. Keep doing what you're doing. That baby is going to be so worth it!

ann_jeremiah · March 2015

I would think this would have to do with normal pregnancy weight gains... And the fact that you are eating more/better! Keep going in a positive direction for you and your baby!

ittybittybaker09 · March 2015

I do not have an eating disorder, and I am so sorry that you struggle with that! I was very very sick last year. My normal weight is about 110 and I was down to 92 pounds. I was slowly on the right track back to belt when I got pregnant. I was 100 pounds then. Now at 18w I have gained 23 pounds. But because I was 10 pounds underweight my doctor is happy with it. I was so skinny for so long I am struggling with body image issues. None of my clothes fit at all! I had to buy all maternity clothes.

Good luck mama!

trudytudy · March 2015

I've never had an eating disorder so I don't know exactly your feelings. I have been pregnant before starting at an average weight. I gained a little more than I should've and it was hard to watch the scale creep up. It was worth the last few months when I felt so ugly because I birthed a big beautiful baby and not long after I felt like my old self again. Take care of yourself and remember that your body is supposed to store fat for the baby, that's part of pregnancy.

SidraJedi · March 2015

I've been recovering from EDNOS since 2009. I feel your pain. I really hope I don't pass on my issues To my DD. I have been more aware of what I say about myself and how I talk about my body and eating but the fact is that everyone judges others by weight, clothes, etc.; just general appearance. And it is really hard to say no to that way of thinking when it is reinforced all around you. You have to roll with the punches and just try to remain mindful.

For a long time I didn't own a scale. When I gained "recovery weight" it triggered a slip back into old habits. So now I try balance and only weigh myself sometimes. I talk to my DH about it when someone says something that triggers me. It's a process. I'm not 100% by any means but I feel like I've made progress. I've even lost a little of my "recovery weight" the healthy way.

Some moms have told me that pregnancy "cured" their ED. Others slip back into old habits after baby is born or weaned (or in the case of one friend, her supply dried up bc she went back to her ED habits). There's no telling but you just do your best and try not to think about baby weight. Just remind yourself that you are keeping your own body running while growing a brand new human being and that is so important!

As for if your weight gain is normal, I would say that if your Doc is happy I would be happy to. If you were small before then you will gain more than an average or overweight mom would bc you need it. Also, if you were under eating then about 5lbs of that is water your body uses to process the food you are now eating. Whenever I would start eating after fasting I always gain at least 5 lb bc that's how it goes.

Just do your best and keep finding new ways to think about eating and body image. I really wish you the best in this difficult journey!

missmychard · March 2015

I struggled with an eating disorder for years. My only advice would be to find someone to talk to. Dealing with an ED in itself is a huge undertaking--dealing with body changes from pregnancy at the same time is overwhelming. You probably know that hearing other people say you look great or that your weight gain is okay isn't going to be helpful to you and won't change how you see yourself. I found that going to counseling was the only thing that helped me. Good luck!

Raerums · March 2015

I have a mild to moderate eating disorder myself and am 18 weeks. I know everyone's situation is different but I see my pregnancy as a justification for being fat so eating doesn't bother me anymore. Though after it's born I plan on breastfeeding like crazy and getting rid of any excess chub asap. The reason I chose my current pic is bc that's how I feel I look being pregnant. And it doesn't help seeing third trimester moms look how I do in the second trimester either

taylorharris01 · March 2015

Thank you everyone I really appreciate the insight and feedback!!

emassouros · March 2015

I stuggled with an ED before finding out I was pregnant. AS SOON as I found out about my baby-everything changed. I am eating healthy and putting on weight. I am 17weeks and have gained 18 pounds.

While this sort of freaks me out, my doctor is okay with my weight gain. He said I will gain a little more than average because I was underweight to begin with. Just remember-this is all for your baby. You must stay healthy for your baby to stay healthy. It is still an everyday struggle for me-but every day I remember the tiny human I'm growing. Find support and keep your head up.

nattlebattle · March 2015

I struggled with eating disorders for 10 years, until just about a year ago. I've been anorexic, bulimic, and everything in between and outside. Wanting to be able to get pregnant and be a good mother were a large part of the reason I was able to focus on recovery and keep my eye on the ball.

That being said, gaining the weight is hard. It goes against everything you've "conditioned" your body and mind to endure. In a way, being pregnant has made it easier, because I have an "excuse". I was worried that I would use it as a free pass, go buck-wild eating everything in sight, and then end up with 500 lbs to lose postpartum. And yes, my eating habits are definitely waaay different, and I've used my pregnancy as a way to justify eating certain foods, but I've been happy to find that I haven't "exploded" lol.

Honestly, at 16 weeks I'm not sure how much weight I've gained. I'll find out at the doctor next week I guess, but I really try to not worry about the number (not easy, I know!). And I figure as long as the doctor is happy with how things are progressing, I shouldn't stress too much. Of course I'm nervous about losing the weight after baby, but I'll worry about that when it's time. Your body wants to be healthy and be at a healthy weight, so I'm starting to trust that things will fall back into place.

I should also mention that I still see a therapist, even though I've been doing really well for a while. You can stop behaviors, and even gain some weight, but that doesn't mean everything is okay. So if you're not seeing one already, I would highly recommend it. It will help keep you sane during those times when you feel the eating disorder is talking too loudly. I hope this helps

yogagirlstacey · March 2015

I am a therapist and I work with plenty of clients with ED and body image issues. As you know, there's a lot more involved than just focusing on food, calories, and a number on a scale. I highly recommend you see a therapist who specializes in these types of issues during your pregnancy and afterward as well to help you work through everything since they are especially highlighted for you due to the rapid changes going on in your body and the emotional roller coaster of hormones on top of that. Good luck to you!

ibemrsking · March 2015

I have been battling with different ED for years. I mostly restrict and exercise excessively. I am 19 weeks and struggling to not gain weight. My past two pregnancies 27 and 17 years ago I gained in excess of 50 pounds. I don't want to do that again. I still restrict and workout 3 times a day but my body is fighting me. I wake up sleep eating at night. I am really trying to be okay with eating a well balanced meal but can't force myself to eat anything other than veggies and some fruit. Baby is on target for size. So she is getting her nutrients. I just hate this battle in my head!! Good luck with your pregnancy.

ShondaJo · March 2015

I struggled with anorexia before I got pregnant. My appetite was crazy in the first trimester but went back to picking at food around the second trimester. It was a real struggle to eat. My doctor told me to focus on what I'm eating more so than calories. He told me to nibble on protein bars and fruits and veggies. He also said milk shakes are great (which I can totally get behind). Also carnation instant breakfast and herbalist shake (one a day not the weight loss plan but they're packed with vitimins you need). But if your doctor isn't concerned you shouldn't be.

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