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Everyone knows society more readily accepts a fit and trim physique; images are plastered across all media outlets of super thin sizes. Pregnancy, however, has long defied the trend, allowing women a grace period to take on a newly-expanding figure. Recently, though, a new term has gained popularity – pregorexia – referring to women who insist on gaining only small amounts of weight or over-exercising during pregnancy to try to stay thin. The term can also refer to women who take extreme measures to lose weight too quickly following the birth of the baby.

To date, most research into pregorexia has been conducted in the U.K., but it is believed about five percent of women will experience the condition. Hollywood moms may be part of the trend’s cause, with stars like Angelina Jolie showcasing firm and trim bodies even during pregnancy. The baby “bump” is highly noted in magazines and tabloids, with attention drawn to other areas of weight gain. The effect may be spread to other moms-to-be, who could go overboard trying to stay slim during pregnancy or seek surgeries like a tummy-tuck following delivery.

While gaining too many pounds can cause an expectant mother to contract diabetes and other problems, not gaining enough weight presents its own set of dangers – such as poor growth and development. The mother may be at higher risk for nutrient depletion or bodily injury from over-exercising. She may also be more likely to experience a premature birth. Other experts say ADHD, heart disease or anemia can occur in babies whose mothers gain too little weight. Emotionally, the mother can have strong feelings of shame and guilt toward caring for the baby and show signs of depression, similar to anorexia and other eating disorders.

Author Suzanne Schlosberg recommends that moms remember that celebrities have opportunities other mothers don’t have, such as full-time nannies to help with baby care, personal trainers and chefs. She also suggests mothers seek professional counseling and assistance from family and friends if they are struggling to cope with their changing shape.

Most physicians are trained to recognize symptoms like post-partum depression and can help mothers with the transition back toward positive self-esteem. It is also recommended that doctors encourage women to exercise during pregnancy to help create an easier birth and recovery, not for weight loss. Extra attention may be needed for obstetric patients who already show signs of eating disorders prior to pregnancy.
Additional research into this relatively new condition is needed, especially since it is estimated that four percent of women will have an eating disorder within their child-bearing years. Like all eating disorders, a solid system of support is key to helping women avoid and recover from pregorexia.