Disordered eating and the perinatal period: An examination of psychosocial and mental health factors

Pregnancy and early parenthood encompass major transitions that may impact or be impacted by mental health difficulties. The symptoms of eating disorders- restraint, eating concerns, shape and weight dissatisfaction- referred to as disordered eating, exist at varying frequencies and severities in the population. Using a prospective cohort study conducted over three perinatal periods, 18-24 weeks gestation, 30-32 weeks gestation and 8-10 weeks postpartum, this thesis explores the full spectrum of perinatal disordered eating and associated psychosocial and mental health risk factors, providing a proposal for an intervention program for disordered eating during these vulnerable periods.