EATING DISORDERS IN PREGNANT WOMEN, RISK FACTORS, HEALTH IMPACTS AND COPING STRATEGIES: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

Eating disorders (EDs) are severe psychiatric conditions that affect eating patterns and body perception, with particular emphasis on anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder. The DSM-IV, from the American Psychiatric Association (APA), classifies these disorders, which have multifactorial causes involving emotional, social, and hormonal factors. During pregnancy, hormonal and emotional changes may predispose women to the development or worsening of eating disorders, such as binge eating disorder (BED), which impacts both maternal and fetal health. Additionally, pica, characterized by the consumption of non-food substances, is a behavior observed among pregnant women and can pose health risks.