Eating disorders in women, often linked to weight and body shape, can be impacted by pregnancy. Those with current or past eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, or binge eating disorder, risk symptom escalation during pregnancy (Ward, 2008). However, some women may experience decreased symptoms due to focus on the baby’s health.

Perinatal mental health concerns, encompassing issues arising during pregnancy or the first year post-birth, include anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder (O’Hara & Wisner, 2014). Women should undergo screening during perinatal appointments, as these issues can affect both the woman’s and baby’s health. Any struggles should be honestly communicated to healthcare providers for appropriate monitoring.

Postpartum women may experience anxiety disorders including generalized anxiety disorder, postpartum panic disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder (Ali, 2018). Symptoms range from restlessness, fatigue, irritability, sleep issues, to unexpected panic attacks and time-consuming obsessions. Emotions tied to postpartum anxiety, such as loss, frustration, guilt, and body tension, can greatly affect a woman’s wellbeing.

Postpartum depression shares symptoms with major depressive disorder, including persistent depression, fatigue, loss of interest, and recurring thoughts of death, impacting a woman’s ability to care for her baby. Some women might have ‘baby blues,’ characterized by sadness, loneliness, fatigue, and tearfulness, generally shorter-lived than depressive symptoms. It’s crucial to distinguish natural postpartum changes, such as fatigue and weight shifts, from depression symptoms.