Pregorexia (and Post-partum calorie restriction)

The first step when treating pregorexia or severe post-partum calorie restriction is to consult with an OBGYN. This is for safety and medical stability. Psychological treatment for an eating disorder, regardless of diagnosis, begins with addressing medical concerns first. Our admissions team is able to coordinate and consult with your OBGYN. This is throughout the intake process. It helps to ensure that you’re a good fit for pregorexia treatment or other support at EDRS.

Treatment focusing on mental well-being comes after a client is deemed physically safe, especially during pregnancy. Pregorexia treatment and other eating disorders require the utmost care in considering the healing of a client’s physical well-being. It also requires a deep understanding of mental well-being for successful recovery and remission.  

In many cases, pregorexia and post-partum calorie restriction occur in people who have already struggled with an eating disorder. As is the case with other treatments, our approach at EDRS begins with nutrition. Establishing a routine and a balanced meal plan helps improve therapy. 

For pregorexia and post-partum calorie restriction, there’s similar therapeutic work to anorexia. It focuses on body image, motivational interviewing, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). This challenges distorted self perceptions that can perpetuate the disorder. Pregorexia treatment is personalized and prioritizes safety throughout the pregnancy.

If you’re pregnant and have restrictive eating habits, speak to a specialist today.

Pregorexia and Post-Partum Calorie Restriction Screening Questions

• How has your eating changed since becoming pregnant (or post-partum)?
• Are you consciously limiting how much you eat to control your weight during pregnancy (or post-partum)?
• Do you ever skip meals or cut back on certain foods because you’re worried about gaining weight?
• Do you ever feel guilty or anxious after eating?
• Have you increased your exercise since becoming pregnant (or post-partum), or do you feel a strong need to “work off” what you eat?
• Do you track calories, weight, or body measurements more closely than before pregnancy?
• For post-partum, have you reduced your food intake even though you’re breastfeeding or feeling fatigued?

If you’ve answered yes to any of these questions, contact our admissions team today for a full assessment. Help is available and you’re not alone.

Medical Issues with Restrictive Eating Behaviors from Pregnancy:

• For the Parent:

• • • Nutritional deficiencies: Lack of essential vitamins (iron, folate, calcium, and vitamin D) can cause fatigue, anemia, and weakened bones.
    • Anemia: Common due to restricted iron intake, increasing fatigue and dizziness.
    • Electrolyte imbalances: Especially if accompanied by purging or over-exercising, which can cause heart arrhythmias.
    • Low blood pressure and dehydration: Risk increases with restrictive intake and excessive sweating from exercise.
    • Osteopenia or osteoporosis: Long-term bone weakening due to insufficient calcium and vitamin D.
    • Amenorrhea continuation or hormonal imbalances: Can affect reproductive and metabolic health.
    • Cardiac strain: Over-exercising or malnutrition can lead to bradycardia or arrhythmias.
    • Mental health complications: Increased anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive behaviors, and risk of postpartum depression.

• For the Fetus:

• • Low birth weight: Restricted maternal nutrition can impair fetal growth.
  • Preterm birth: Higher risk due to maternal malnutrition and stress.
  • Developmental delays: Nutrient deficiencies (especially folate) can affect brain and neural development.
  • Increased risk of congenital abnormalities: Particularly neural tube defects from insufficient folate.
  • Stillbirth or miscarriage: Severe malnutrition and stress increase these risks.

There are many medical complications from restrictive eating during and after pregnancy. These issues threaten both the parent and the fetus. During pregnancy, there can be added stress of nutritional deficiencies, low blood pressure, and electrolyte imbalances. These can worsen the eating disorder.

Parents are at risk of long-term damages to cardiac health and mental health. The fetus can also be at higher risk of stillbirth or miscarriage. Therefore, it’s vital to seek out pregorexia treatment or help for other eating disorders. This applies to eating disorder behaviors during pregnancy and post-partum. 

If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder during pregnancy, do not hesitate to reach out. Help is available, our admissions team is here to answer your questions. We coordinate with outside providers to ensure the best possible chances for recovery and a healthy pregnancy.