Body mass index, weight gain during pregnancy, and birth outcomes in women with self-report eating disorder traits

Objective: To investigate body mass index (BMI), weight gain during pregnancy, and birth outcomes among postpartum women with self-report psychological traits associated with eating disorders.Methods: A retrospective descriptive design was used to collect self-report eating disorder traits among a convenience sample of 54 postpartum women 19 to 43 years of age from a large hospital in the Pacific Northwest. Participants voluntarily completed a demographic form and Eating Disorder Inventory-3 (EDI-3) prior to discharge. EDI-3 risk scale scores (EDRS) were used to identify probable eating disorders. Medical records were reviewed for eating disorder history, BMI, weight gain during pregnancy, and birth outcomes.Results: Fifteen (27.8%) participants EDRS suggested the presence of an eating disorder, while one of the 54 medical records (1.85%) indicated a previous history. Women with self-report psychological traits associated with eating disorders and complete prenatal records inclusive of height and preconception weight (n = 10) had a mean BMI of 29.6 (clinically overweight/pre-obese). Of this subgroup, 60% (n = 6) gained more weight during pregnancy than recommended guidelines. Nearly 67% (n = 10) of the 15 participants had a cesarean section; two infants (13.3%) were born preterm and one (6.7%) was post-term. One infant (6.7%) was born with a neural tube defect.Conclusions: An overweight/pre-obese prenatal BMI and excessive weight gain during pregnancy may be indicative of an eating disorder. Women with self-report traits associated with eating disorders may be at risk for untoward pregnancy outcomes.