ABSTRACT
Midwives may encounter pregnant women who have suffered or are suffering with an eating disorder such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa. The causes of these disorders are complex, and women with an eating disorder may also have other mental health complications such as depression or anxiety. Suicide is a common cause of death for women with anorexia. Physical complications of an eating disorder include fatigue, muscle weakness, infertility, electrolyte imbalance and impaired cardiac function. Midwifery support in the context of ongoing specialist physical and psychological care is required.
