Women who have eating disorders represent up to 8% of pregnant women today. The risks to both a mother and her baby are significant if an eating disorder is present. It is important that midwives have the knowledge, skills and confidence to enquire about eating disorders with women early in the pregnancy, and are also aware of the clinical signs of eating disorders, in order to recognise these situations. The symptoms of eating disorders may improve during pregnancy but midwives should be aware of the effects of childbirth. The postnatal phase is an important period for a mother who has an eating disorder, as her symptoms may recur. This article thus explains how and why midwives should work in partnership with key members of the multidisciplinary team, as well as with the patient, in order to address eating disorder symptoms during pregnancy.

Eileen C Stringer -

Christine Furber -