This post is a little hard to write but I am wondering if anyone else is overly concerned about weight gain and had a history of eating disorders?

I personally have battled eating disorders in the past but have been fine for the last several years. But now I'm finding the idea of gaining weight very difficult to come to terms with. I know a certain amount of weight gain is normal and healthy but I find myself wanting to gain the minimum amount possible and googling things like "how to gain no weight in pregnancy".

I've struggled with bulima in the past and a very small part of me is happy when I throw up due to morning sickness.

The health of my baby is very important to me and I don't intend to restrict or excessively exercise, I'm just interested if anyone else is in the same boat as me? If so, how are you dealing with your feelings?

Thanks in advance xxx

I would talk to your doctor about how you are feeling. She maybe able to monitor you or refer you for some conseling to keep the feelings from getting worse. Also, just so you know, most of the weight is baby itself, your own increased blood volume, your boobs growing, etc. When I gave birth, I lost about 30lbs from the birth alone, so don't worry too much about it. Just make sure you are eating healthy foods and taking your vitamins. Maybe keep a journal so you can monitor whats going through your mind so you know when its time to seek help?

This is great information, I just wanted to add that you also lose weight more quickly when you breastfeed. Some of my friends that ate healthy throughout pregnancy and then breastfed didn't have a problem getting back to pre-pregnancy weight in a matter of months after birth. Just like when you aren't pregnant, you won't gain weight eating healthy, but of course eating fast food every day you would. I know some women use pregnancy as an excuse to eat anything they want. This is not only unhealthy for them and the baby, but gives pregnancy a bad reputation. This is why women fear pregnancy as a weight issue. If you stick to a healthy diet, you shouldn't have a problem. I second what Bluestarlight said about finding someone to talk to about your feelings, especially if you have a history of eating disorders. From what I've noticed so far, pregnancy does crazy things to emotions and thoughts/feelings. So don't feel embarrassed about talking to someone, pretty much every pregnant woman is affected by the hormones in some way. Exercise is recommended during pregnancy, of course you must be careful and avoid activities that could be dangerous for your baby like contact sports, biking, skiing, etc... but also don't overdo it. My doctor said to monitor for vaginal bleeding and keep an eye on your breathing. If you can talk while working out, you are okay, but when it gets to the point of gasping for air, you need to take it easy. Just remember that weight can easily be lost after the baby is born, but you can't go back and make up for this extremely important developmental period for your baby. And don't hesitate to find someone to talk to if it feels it is becoming overwhelming for you, you are not alone there

Hi there,

Yes I have a history of very serious anorexia. Thank God I have been able to conceive (5wks) but I think that is only through eating really well and allowing myself to put on weight. I am still currently slim and I am more worried about that than the risk of becoming overweight. I am not even remotely worried about the weight gain as I couldn't care less what I look like as long as my baby is healthy and happy. I only intend to eat really good food though but plenty of it, all organic and no fast food etc but it is for the good of the baby not my figure. There is no need to feel embarrassed about how you are feeling I believe it is very common for women with a history of eating disorders to struggle in pregnancy but you should probably look for extra support and help so that you don't relapse through pregnancy. Just remember that society has fed women a load of bull about being skinny. Women are meant to have body fat, it is to protect and nourish the baby so eat right and embrace your maternal curves!!

I just had a post up titled 'why do I have to gain weight?'. I didn't mention it but I had an eating disorder in my teens which is why I'm so concerned about gaining extra weight. I've gained a lot of weight in recovery but I've now got a very healthy lifestyle and I have a healthy bmi. Just remember you body is very efficient and if you eat as healthy as possible it won't store any fat it doesn't need. Plus the fat is does store will be for breastfeeding (which I've heard realy helps in losing the baby weight). All I can say is eat tons of fruit because all the vitamins and nutrients in it will stop you craving other things due to defficiencies. Also as they are low in calories you can eat a lot more so you don't have to put up with that persistent pregnancy hunger. I saw a study where they had a group of people who ate nothing but tons of fruits and vegetables which all up were way more calories then they needed a day but the majority lost weight because their bodies were healthier and recognised the need to shed weight so their metabolisms sped up. What I'm trying to say is the healthier your eating the healthier your body will be and it will not store and excessive amount of fat because thats unhealthy. Plus just remember all the health aspects of pregnancy and the way it makes you look even better. I'm focusing on the fact I'll hopefuly have wide hips and a booty for the first time in my life (at least thats what happened to my sister). You'll look more curvy and feminen, plus pregnancy has been shown to slow the aging process. Just focus on you and your babies health and not the weight

I'm sad that you're feeling conflicted, but I'm glad you're talking about it. I agree - talk to your doctor.

But also, go shopping and try on some cute maternity clothes! Put on the fake belly. Yes, you will be gaining some weight, but you're going to look adorable!

Most people worry about gaining weight whilst pregnant and if you have had an eating disorder then it must be a 1000 times worse, i havent had an eating disorder but i was in the priory for 6 months when i was 17 and my best friend i made there had anorexia so i know how worrying it must be for you. The only advice i can give you is to makesure your midwife knows about your history, and come to terms that you will gain a little weight but if you eat healthly and do exercise like walking, swimming etc then you should be fine and it will go after you have had the baby.

I too have eating problems and have been concerned about gaining weight. I think about the feeling of gaining weight and compare it with the feeling of having an underweight, underdeveloped baby with possible developmental delays and physical challenges. It truly puts it in perspective. I love this baby more than I love (or hate) eating.

Nutritionists are sometimes part of insurance and you can be referred to one if you are at risk for eating disorders/complications during pregnancy. Maybe seeing a nutritionist can give you a better guideline of healthy foods and substitutions so that when you do feel hungry, you don't feel bad about feeding yourself and your growing baby.

Thank you all so much - this is such a supportive community. It's really great to get advice and perspectives from both ed-sufferers and people who haven't struggled with eating disorders before.

I definitely intend to eat a sufficient, wholefood and healthy diet. It's more the psychological aspects of the weight gain that bother me. Talking to my doctor is a great idea though. Plus eating lots of fruit and veggies

Thank you again xxxx

Stephie. You honestly could have been me in that post you just wrote! I posted something similar the other day. I suffered bad with anorexia/bulimia for years and through my first pregnancy, it got worse after his birth and I was admitted several times to hospital
With treatment I have been recovered for 2 years.

Only recently have the sand thoughts/worries started to creep back up and I completely agree with you, I will not do anything to harm my baby, I'm in a completely different fame if mind than I was with my first baby but it's the phsycological aspect that is difficult to deal with! I worry about how much il gain and what il look like after birth.

Those statements sound so selfish but no one will ever fully understand unless they've been through it.

I had gained quite a bit if weight before getting pregnant, my BMI is 24 so I worry if I say to my doctor they'll just look and see I'm not underweight so won't be concerned!

Just remember your not alone! X