OBGYNs: Screening for Eating Disorders in New Pregnancy Patients

Contributor: Crystal Karges, MS, RDN, IBCLC, Special Projects Coordinator at Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope

Eating disorders often present on many different fronts, and because of the nature of these illnesses, and individuals struggling can often go years without seeking appropriate care. Because there is often shame and stigma associated with eating disorders, a person dealing with these psychiatric illnesses may choose to suffer in shame or attempt to hide the reality of their situation from those closest to them.

For this reason, physicians may play an important role in identification of eating disorders, particularly when there is knowledge and understanding of how these diseases may present.

Early Screening of Eating Disorders in Pregnant Patients

Most women who become pregnant will seek out prenatal care with an physician who specializes in obstetrics or a midwife. Even women who had previously seen a doctor minimally prior to pregnancy will seek out appropriate care for herself and developing baby to ensure a healthy pregnancy. This can be an optimal opportunity for physicians to screen for possible eating disorders and help with early identification of potential mental health issues.

Because pregnancy can often be a triggering life change for many women who have or may have struggled with an eating disorder at some point of their lives, screening for eating disorders at prenatal appointments can be an optimal time. This may include a simple screening tool that reviews eating habits and trends, weight history and mental health.

This may also involve identification of biochemical abnormalities and other physical anomalies, such as low heart rate. Obstetric physicians who are able to identify these triggers early on in a pregnancy may help a women connect to treatment sooner.

Resources for Physicians Treating Eating Disorders

Many physicians may feel uncomfortable handling eating disorders but can make all the difference in helping patients who are struggling with specialized care. Increasing knowledge about the basics of eating disorders and how cases may present can be helpful for a physician who may potentially see such patients.

Helpful organizations that can support practicing physicians include the Academy for Eating Disorder Professionals, the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals, and the National Eating Disorder Association.

Community Discussion – Share your thoughts here!

If you are a practicing physician, what are some ways in which eating disorders have presented in your office and/or practice?

About the Author: Crystal is a Masters-level Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) with a specialty focus in eating disorders, maternal/child health and wellness, and intuitive eating. Combining clinical experience with a love of social media and writing, Crystal serves as the Special Projects Coordinator for Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope, where her passion to help others find recovery and healing is integrated into each part of her work.

As a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, Crystal has dedicated her career to helping others establish a healthy relationship with food and body through her work with EDH/AH and nutrition private practice.

The opinions and views of our guest contributors are shared to provide a broad perspective of eating disorders. These are not necessarily the views of Eating Disorder Hope, but an effort to offer discussion of various issues by different concerned individuals.

We at Eating Disorder Hope understand that eating disorders result from a combination of environmental and genetic factors. If you or a loved one are suffering from an eating disorder, please know that there is hope for you, and seek immediate professional help.

Last Updated & Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on April 30, 2016
Published on EatingDisorderHope.com