Eating disorders in the perinatal period

Eating disorders (EDs) are severe psychiatric disorders that affect women in reproductive age. Although ED features tend to reduce during pregnancy, remission may only be temporary, with features typically resurfacing during the postpartum period. There is evidence that women with EDs may have increased risk of adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes and be more vulnerable to psychiatric comorbidities such as depression and anxiety. Maternal EDs may also have implications for child psychological, cognitive and eating behaviours. Pregnancy and motherhood, particularly in the early stages, is an opportune time in a woman's life for health professionals to engage with affected women and initiate appropriate treatment and support to promote the best possible maternal and infant outcomes.