Bulimia and pregnancy is not always a negative thing contrary to what many people believe. In fact bulimic women who become pregnant actually improve their condition. Many times bulimic pregnant women give so much concern for their baby that they tend to care more for themselves and thus gradually eradicate the eating disorder that they have. Also due to the fact that pregnant women are faced with the pressure of caring for themselves and the baby the right way, they are expected to look beautiful and healthy most especially when they are pregnant.
Studies have revealed that bulimia and pregnancy cancel out one another on a neurological level specifically in a woman’s mood and appetite. Pregnant women develop hormones that regulate their appetite and mood, thus returning them to their eating habits before they became bulimic.
Women who are bulimic during pregnancy may be able to eliminate their bulimic tendencies during pregnancy, but because of the fact that bulimia takes years before one can conquer it, after the pregnancy women may revert back to their bulimic tendencies. Pregnant women often hit postpartum depressions which can lead to a return to their eating disorder.
There are dangers that accompany bulimia and pregnancy and they appear to be exponentially higher. For those women who are still have the eating disorder during pregnancy there is a danger to the fetus. Bulimia prevents the fetus from acquireing the nutrients that they need. Plus pregnant women are more prone to malnutrition and other dangers that revolve around bulimia. Thus bulimia and pregnancy more often than not present a sever danger not only to themselves but to the baby that they carry.
When a woman encounters both bulimia and pregnancy, doctors rely heavily on counselling and observation to ensure that their bulimic tendencies are prevented and make sure its causes are eliminated. Bulimia and pregnancy reinforces a continuous cycle of guilt and shame that makes the condition a lot worse. If you are bulimic and pregnant, or you know someone close to you who is, be extra cautious and observant so that it is ensured that the mother and the child’s health are not at risk.
By Macy Kailas, Anorexia-Bulimia Treatment.