pregnant and anorexic

[helsbels2007]

has anyone out there been through this and how did you cope?????

You're not alone - but try to find people who will understand in your maternity care, if you can. I had an antenatal doctor who said scoldingly to me 'Just think how anorexics feel about being pregnant!' - I was freaked out about whether the baby was growing properly as my bump was so small = without bothering to enquire whether I had ever had an eating disorder. Frankly they must see it a fair bit, so they ought to know how to help.

Hiya,

no personal experience but I know my mum went through at least 2 pregnancies whilst suffering activly from anorexia.

I think you need to start with your GP/midwife and ask if there is anyone you can see (consultant-wise) through your pregnancy.

There is lots of antenatal help out there, but you have to seek it out. I found Active Birth people were the most help to me - you can do antenatal yoga classes with them, which helps you connect with what's happening with your body.

There are very experienced doulas on Mumsnet as well, so don't be afraid to ask for help.

There are Perinatal Mental Health Services in most big hospitals these days and plenty of specialists who can support and safely guide someone with anorexia through a healthy pregnancy. By speaking to your GP or midwife, you should be able to access these kind of services.

In the meantime, make sure you take folic acid and drink plenty of milk if you can stomach it. If your calorie intake is very low, a nutritionist may prescribe a special milkshake nutrient drink/powder mix that will help. Babies are quite resiliant, but if you want a healthy pregnancy, be sure to get the right help!

hi girls, thanks for your kind messages, but I really wanted to talk to someone who has been through this kind of thing as I am doing some research on how anorexics cope with pregnancy - sorry, should have made this clear. Totoras, do you think your mum would be prepared to talk to me? Ultimately, it will all go to awareness raising of anorexia and helping sufferers and carers - anonymity totally guaranteed.

Are you a student doing research?

are you a journalist?

I've been commissioned to write an article, so the more information I can get from real people, the better I can convey the challenges that sufferers face.

Probably best to post the request [[http://www.mumsnet.com/Talk/media_nonmember_requests here] in that case good luck, hope the article goes well.