A scoping review of eating disorder symptoms and mental health during the postpartum period: predictors, course, and consequences for mothers and infants

Abstract Objective Eating disorders (ED) are most prevalent in women of reproductive age. EDs affect fertility, maternal BMI, and obstetric outcomes. During the early postpartum period, women with an ED history are at high risk for relapse. However, research on the impact of ED on maternal and infant health and development during the first postpartum year is limited. This scoping review provides an overview of the current research on postpartum ED symptoms and their effects on mothers and their babies as well as limitations of current postpartum screening practices. Methods This scoping review was conducted in accordance with JBI Scoping Review Methodology. It included all available English-language literature published between 2000 and January 2025 that was available on PubMed, SCOPUS, and APA PsycInfo electronic databases. We included peer-reviewed empirical manuscripts that measured maternal ED symptoms or diagnoses and that had outcomes on maternal mental health, infant development, or infant feeding interactions during the first year postpartum. Results Of 332 citations identified in the initial search, 43 articles were included in the review. The majority were conducted in North American and European countries. Several longitudinal studies found an increase in ED symptoms after childbirth, particularly among women with a lifetime history of EDs; compared to women with no history, women with a history of ED symptoms had elevated anxiety and depression during the postpartum period. Findings from studies assessing the relationship between ED history and breastfeeding outcomes were mixed, although infant feeding difficulties appear to be more common in women with a history of ED symptoms. Discussion This review provides novel insights into ED symptoms, effects, and care in the postpartum period. Women with ED symptoms are at higher risk for developing mental health conditions during postpartum and are more likely to experience a relapse. These symptoms likely affect the mother-infant feeding relationship. This review also highlighted the lack of research focused on tailored screening and treatment strategies for this population, indicating a need for further research on women with ED symptoms during a critical period.