The obsession with not getting fat leads many women to malnutrition during pregnancy . This behavior is not only harmful to the mother’s health but can cause serious problems for the future child. Pregorexia is a disorder in which a pregnant woman is obsessed with not gaining weight and tries to eat less in order not to gain weight.

This disorder, despite not appearing in the DSM V or ICD-10, is a serious problem faced by some women today.

The word Pregorexia comes from the combination of the terms “pregnancy” and anorexia. This term was initially coined in 2008 by the American media and, despite the fact that it is not exactly anorexia, it is also commonly called “anorexia of pregnancy”, since for many, its symptoms fall within this already existing pathology, which is precisely anorexia.

Characteristics of Pregorexia

A woman suffering from Pregorexia tries not to gain weight and stay thin when she is pregnant , which causes her food intake to be below the healthy and nutritional levels needed for pregnancy. In addition, excessive concern about her figure and her fear of not getting fat causes her to force vomiting and over-exercise. Even putting your health and that of your child at risk.

The main cause of this disorder is the social pressure on aesthetic patterns, and the excessive intoxication by the media, which constantly bombards with advertisements about “body 10”. It is common to find in magazines, reports of famous women who keep fit during pregnancy and after delivery.

Pregnancy is a particularly delicate time to keep in line, as it is normal to gain a few “kilos” during those months. The priority of any mother should be the well-being of her future baby , as this stage is especially important for her future development.

The obsession with image can lead to serious dangers: many negative consequences can occur during the gestation stage and during the future development of the child (malnutrition, bone decalcification, low production of breast milk, hormonal alterations, dry, cracked and dehydrated skin, digestive and cardiovascular problems, restricted intrauterine growth, reduced amniotic fluid, premature birth or low birth weight). In addition, malnutrition can lead to fetal death.

Although 30 percent of women do not get enough nutrition during pregnancy, that does not mean it is due to Pregorexia. In fact, only a minority of pregnant women are affected by this eating disorder.

Women who have had an eating disorder in the past are more at risk for Pregorexia

According to experts, women who have suffered from eating disorders in the past are more likely to suffer from Pregorexia . Despite this, having had an eating disorder in the past does not guarantee that you will suffer from pregorexia during pregnancy. In fact, some women overcome the previous disorder and accept it as it is, even during the pregnancy period.

Symptoms of Pregorexia

Women suffering from Pregorexia often show a number of symptoms characteristic of the disorder. If you know someone who may be suffering from this eating disorder, it is necessary to seek help as soon as possible, as there is a risk of harmful consequences for the mother and the future baby . The following are the most typical symptoms of people with pregorexia:

  • Poor weight gain or loss during pregnancy
  • Restriction of most food groups
  • Feelings of excessive fear or anxiety about weight gain
  • Excess exercise to keep off weight
  • Induction of vomiting after meals
  • Excessive fatigue
  • Dizziness or headaches
  • Avoiding foods to keep weight off
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Obsession with weight reduction

Pregorexia: Looking for Help

If an acquaintance or family member has an eating disorder while you are pregnant, it is important to seek help as soon as possible so that the risk of complications for the baby can be reduced.

It is usual to contact the family doctor , but he or she should refer the patient to a psychologist or psychiatrist so that the psychological and emotional problems that are at the root of this disorder can be treated. Therapy can be individual, but it is also recommended that the person with Pregorexia attend support groups , as interaction with other women with eating disorders can be beneficial.