Eating disorders are more common than we think. Research reveals conditions such as bulimia nervosa (binging/purging cycles) are common among women of reproductive age. They can affect pregnant women quite dramatically because, during this phase, the mom-to-be needs to be extra careful about nutrition and diet. Here's what you can do if you face trouble eating healthily during pregnancy. 

Tips for moms-to-be with eating disorders

During pregnancy, it is common among women to feel they are not in control of their bodies, especially since weight gain is inevitable. This can worsen the emotional and psychological impact of eating disorders that usually make women feel desperate to control how their bodies look. Talking about your fears and feelings with your doctor can help you deal with this healthily and appropriately. Consulting your doctor is the first step. 

Here are more tips: 

• Be honest with yourself and your healthcare provider about past and present experiences with your eating disorder and your progress. 
• Check if your doctor wants to schedule check-ups more frequently than the norm to keep track of your baby's growth and health.
• Talk to a consultant regularly or hire a nutritionist to support you throughout your pregnancy. Take their advice about support groups too. Being with people dealing with the same challenges can make handling the trouble easier. 

You must understand that eating disorders can affect your pregnancy in drastic ways. It can even increase the risk of stillbirth and worsen the baby's chances of being premature or having low birth weight. As a mother-to-be, you want the best for your little one. Focus on your baby's health and seek support from your doctor, friends, and family.