Anorexia nervosa and pregnancy: having a baby when you are dying to be thin--case report and proposed treatment guidelines.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Pregnant women with anorexia nervosa (AN) are at risk for multiple complications to both the woman and fetus. This report examines when to obtain a psychiatric evaluation or admission to an inpatient psychiatric unit to ensure the safety of both the woman and fetus. METHOD: A case report of a pregnant woman with AN describes the risks of extreme weight loss during pregnancy and the deleterious effects on the fetus's viability and mother's health. RESULTS: Psychiatric intervention was not requested until late in gestation, when the patient's mental status and low weight had already deteriorated to a point of high risk to both the mother and fetus. DISCUSSION: We propose the development of treatment guidelines for the pregnant patient with AN to ensure the delivery of optimal care for both the mother and the fetus.