Do I Have an Eating Disorder During Pregnancy? Here’s What You Need to Know

If you’ve found yourself Googling “Do I have an eating disorder in pregnancy?”—you’re not alone. And you’re not doing anything wrong by asking this question.

Pregnancy is often portrayed as a joyful, glowing experience. But for many people, it’s also filled with anxiety, body changes, and overwhelming expectations—especially around food, weight, and appearance. If you're feeling distressed about eating or your body during this time, it may be more than just discomfort. It might be a sign of something deeper.

Let’s talk about it.

Am I the only one struggling with my body changing?

Recent research shows that 27–31% of people experience eating disorder symptoms or intense body shame during pregnancy and postpartum. That’s nearly 1 in 3 (Vanderkruik, 2022).

Yet, eating disorders in the perinatal period are rarely talked about—even by doctors and mental health professionals. Many people suffer in silence, unsure if what they’re going through “counts” or is “serious enough” to get help.

If you're asking yourself this question, it's worth paying attention.

What are the Signs You Might Be Struggling with an Eating Disorder in Pregnancy?

Everyone’s experience is different, but here are some common signs of disordered eating or body image distress during pregnancy:

• Feeling obsessed with food, weight gain, or calorie tracking

• Restricting food, skipping meals, or avoiding hunger

• Binge eating or feeling out of control around food

• Exercising excessively out of fear of gaining “too much” weight

• Feeling intense guilt, shame, or anxiety after eating

• Avoiding mirrors, touching your belly, or hiding your body

• Comparing your body to others and feeling like you’re “failing” pregnancy

• Worrying that weight gain will change how people see or love you

If you’ve experienced these thoughts or behaviors—even if you don’t have a prior diagnosis—it’s important to know: you deserve support.

You Are Not Alone

Getting curious about how you're feeling is actually a sign of strength. Seeking help is an act of care for yourself and your baby.

If any of this resonates, consider talking to a:

• Therapist who specializes in eating disorders or maternal mental health

• Registered dietitian who is trained in pregnancy and intuitive eating

• OBGYN or primary care doctor who listens and takes your concerns seriously

You don’t have to wait for things to “get worse” before reaching out. Your discomfort is enough reason to seek support.

Read more here: https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/pregnancy-and-eating-disorders/

Reference: Vanderkruik, R., Ellison, K., Kanamori, M., Freeman, M. P., Cohen, L. S., & Stice, E. (2022). Body dissatisfaction and disordered eating in the perinatal period: an underrecognized high-risk timeframe and the opportunity to intervene. Archives of women's mental health, 25(4), 739–751. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00737-022-01236-6