Conceiving

[AbigailB]

I’ve recovered from my anorexia and trying conceive my first child but I am really struggling. My period is now regular, although a bit erratic. Are there any other mums that have recovered?

So sorry that you haven't had any replies yet. How are you coping right now?

Hi *AbigailB *
I'm sorry you are struggling? How long have you been trying? Are you at a healthy weight and eating regularly now?

Sorry to ask these questions. I had anorexia for a number of years, including lengthy hospital admissions etc. I then went on to have two children who are now 9 & 12. I spoke to my GP early on in our attempts to conceive and she was willing to do hormone blood tests and an ovarian scan. In the end, we conceived naturally after 6-7 months of trying, then more easily the second time.

I remember how scared I was while trying to conceive, but an important thing to remember is that it can take anyone a while. If you've been trying for more than a few months, it might be worth just having a chat with your GP. Don't lose hope. Sometimes it does just take a while, but it won't hurt to start getting some tests done if you are worried.

thanks for your message and support. I also had lengthy stints in hospital which has created a whole set of other anxieties.

I’m now at a ‘healthy weight’ and I’ve got my period back but it’s erratic so difficult to plan around.

We’ve been trying for four months and I keep getting my hopes up just for my period to turn up later than planned.

When I was in treatment - and especially in hospital - they kept scaring me by telling me I’d never be able to have children and this has always stayed with me.

I think getting some tests done would be a good idea, but I’m so wary of doctors and the nhs after my experience of ‘treatment’

*AbigailB *
I well remember all the 'you'll never be able to have children' from medical professionals. If it helps, though, a lot of people I knew from my hospital stays went on to have children, so it can and does happen.

I totally get your fear of doctors etc. TBH I still dread having to go to the drs, and often avoid it. Could you try and think of this as you being able to take control though. This is you wanting something and seeking help rather than having it put upon you. Lots of previously healthy women take a while to conceive and ask for tests.

I had anorexia for years as a teen (only “cured” to normal weight after CBT at 22). Took more than a year to get pregnant, and only then after putting on more weight so BMI was over 18.5. I’d had normal periods for years, and the doctor tested for everything else, including husbands sperm, and all that was normal. Went on to have two children, second conceived within 2 months of trying, tho at a healthy starting weight.

Best of luck 💐