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Recognising the Symptoms: How Common Are Eating Disorders in Pregnancy?
Author(s) -
Easter Abigail,
Bye Amanda,
Taborelli Emma,
Corfield Freya,
Schmidt Ulrike,
Treasure Janet,
Micali Nadia
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
european eating disorders review
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.511
H-Index - 67
eISSN - 1099-0968
pISSN - 1072-4133
DOI - 10.1002/erv.2229
Subject(s) - pregnancy , eating disorders , medicine , psychiatry , binge eating , pediatrics , genetics , biology
Abstract Objectives This study aimed to investigate eating disorder diagnostic status and related symptoms in early pregnancy. Methods Pregnant women (n=739), attending their first routine antenatal scan, were assessed using an adapted version of the Eating Disorder Diagnostic Scale (EDDS). Prevalence estimates and eating disorder symptoms were assessed during the first 3 months of pregnancy and, retrospectively, in the 6 to 12 months prior to pregnancy. Results During pregnancy 7.5% of women met diagnostic criteria for an eating disorder, compared to prepregnancy prevalence of 9.2%. Approximately one quarter (23.4%) of women reported high weight and shape concern during pregnancy; binge eating was endorsed by 8.8%, and 2.3% of women engaged in regular compensatory behaviours. Conclusions Eating disorders are more common than previously thought in pregnancy. There is a clinical need for increased understanding of eating disorder symptomatology during pregnancy and for appropriate screening tools to be incorporated into antenatal care. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.