ABSTRACT
Women with eating disorders are getting pregnant at a higher rate than would be expected, leading to new challenges for the mother-to-be including a changing body, the need for increased nutrition during pregnancy, and the physical triggers of pregnancy such as exhaustion and morning sickness that may bring up eating-disordered behaviors and thoughts. The topic of miscarriage and pregnancy loss is explored with supporting research and case studies, as these devastating experiences are “silent losses,” ones that are not talked about but are very common. A high percentage of women cease eating disorder behaviors during pregnancy but are at risk for relapse postpartum. Tools will be offered to therapists for supporting women in this population to find a sense of acceptance for their changing bodies and realities. Topics such as secondary infertility, polycystic ovary syndrome, and survivor’s guilt experienced by infertile women who do get pregnant are explored and expanded.
