What every woman should know about eating disorders before, during and after pregnancy
By Cynthia Lodite, June 18, 2026Pregnancy is often portrayed as a joyful period filled with anticipation and excitement. Yet for many women, it can also bring unexpected emotional challenges, including struggles with food, body image, and eating habits.
While pregnancy does not automatically cause an eating disorder, the profound physical and psychological changes that accompany it can trigger disordered eating behaviors or worsen existing vulnerabilities.
A body changing faster than ever before
Pregnancy brings rapid weight gain, hormonal fluctuations, and visible changes to the body. For women who have spent years trying to control their weight or appearance, these changes can feel overwhelming.
Society often sends mixed messages to pregnant women. On one hand, they are encouraged to gain enough weight to support a healthy baby.
On the other hand, they are bombarded with images of celebrities who seem to “bounce back” immediately after giving birth. This pressure can create anxiety and fuel unhealthy relationships with food.
Some women may begin obsessively monitoring their weight, restricting food intake, skipping meals, or exercising excessively in an attempt to limit pregnancy-related weight gain.
How an eating disorder can affect breastfeeding
According to the National Health Service(NHS) in the UK, pressure to lose weight can sometimes lead to behaviours like over-exercising or dieting.
If you choose to breastfeed, your body will need extra energy and nutrients to support your milk supply.
Hence, health experts suggest that it is important to look after your own health, nutrition and well-being.
Eating regular meals and snacks will help your recovery from birth and help your body provide breastmilk. Try to stay well hydrated by drinking plenty water. It’s also important to rest when you can, too.
Hormones and Emotional Vulnerability
Pregnancy hormones can affect mood, appetite, and emotional regulation. Feelings of anxiety, stress, sadness, or loss of control may become more intense.
For some women, food becomes a way to cope with difficult emotions.
Others may respond by restricting what they eat in an attempt to regain a sense of control. These behaviors can gradually develop into serious eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, or binge-eating disorder.