A 48-year-old member asked:
Can anorexia when the mother is pregnant hurt the baby?
3 doctor answers • 5 doctors weighed in

Dr. David Escobaranswered
Family Medicine 10 years experience
Yes: Both mom and baby need a lot of calories during the pregnancy (about 400 more calories per day for a normal weight woman). Not eating enough during pregnancy can ultimately hurt the baby, although the mom will start to see symptoms before the baby will (the baby's metabolic needs will take precedence).
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. William Holmesanswered
Child Psychiatry 35 years experience
Yes: Anorexia can cause a variety of physical problems which could have a negative impact on both the mother's and baby's health.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Natalie Hodgeanswered
Pediatrics 27 years experience
Yes!: Your baby needs nutrients to grow and thrive in the womb. An anorexic mother needs to haver her mental state carefully monitored during pregnancy, and there is risk to her going off antidepressants during pregnancy. Counseling and mental health support are critical!
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Similar questions
CA
A 44-year-old member asked:
Could anorexia hurt a baby when the mother is pregnant?
2 doctor answers • 6 doctors weighed in

Dr. Philip Chenetteanswered
Fertility Medicine 39 years experience
Yes: A good diet is so important to both mother and baby. Check with your care giver right away if there are nutritional concerns.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Aug 12, 2015
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