Abstract

The effects of adult lifestyle – primarily smoking and diet in women, and sedentary habits generally – are the important factors affecting male and female fertility, and possibly also the fertility of their children. Over the last 20 years there has occurred a steady increase in the prevalence of eating disorders. Eating disorders affect woman at their peak age of reproductive function. It is not surprising that eating disorders influence significantly the entire reproductive process. A woman with anorexia or bulimia nervosa will have problems with conception and gestation, and higher risk for either miscarriage or birth defects of the neonate.

Pregnant women with active eating disorders appear to be at greater risk for delivery by caesarean section and for postpartum depression. Pregnant women with past or current eating disorders should be viewed as being at high risk and monitored closely during pregnancy to optimize maternal and fetal outcomes.