Feeling fat during pregnancy - dealing with body issues

Many women have body image and food issues. From the occasional, "I wish my butt was smaller," to the bigger issues like anorexia and bulimia, women can be really affected by food and body issues. During pregnancy you need to focus on what's best for your baby; part of this means that you need to eat well, and gain the proper amount of weight. It's not fat - it's a baby you're growing. According to the American Pregnancy Association, eating disorders are associated with the following complications during pregnancy:

• Premature labor
• Low birth weight
• Stillbirth or fetal death
• Likelihood of Cesarean birth
• Delayed fetal growth
• Respiratory problems
• Gestational diabetes
• Complications during labor
• Depression
• Miscarriage
• Preeclampsia

If you enter into pregnancy with food and body issues, it can be hard to handle your expanding waistline. If you're having some problems dealing with the fact that you're gaining weight or staying in shape there are some resources that can help. First be open and honest with your health care provider. If you feel upset about weight gain, they may be able to help you put it into perspective by explaining about what the weight is for in relationship to pregnancy. Your provider can also hook you up with more help when it's necessary. Next contact one of the following organizations. It's important to get help if you have an eating disorder; not simply to have a healthy pregnancy, but a healthy life as well. Being a parent is hard work, your body needs to be nutritional fit or you're going to become overwhelmed. These organizations can help you find a personal therapist, group meetings, or other supports related to eating disorders.

• National Eating Disorders Association
• Eating Disorder Referral and Information Center
• Something Fishy: an online community for support.
• National Association for Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Eating Disorders
• Eating Disorders Anonymous