Eating Disorders in New parents

Key things to know What the evidence shows
How common is it? Not established overall
Is it more common among new parents? Postpartum can be a period of persistence/relapse
Are new parents at higher risk? Yes clinically, particularly previous ED
How much higher is the risk? In women with prior ED, substantial persistence remained at 18–36 months postpartum
How often can it be missed? Very High
Does it show up differently among new parents? Strong Yes
How might it look different? Body changes, breastfeeding, disrupted eating routines, sleep loss and postpartum weight expectations
What commonly occurs alongside it? Depression; anxiety
What can it be confused with? Postpartum depression; normal postpartum body/eating changes
Common screening tool SCOFF
Separate screening tool for new parents None universal
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