Outcomes for infants whose mothers had an eating disorder in the perinatal period: A systematic review of the evidence

Objective To establish any health outcomes for infants to age one, associated with their mother having a diagnosis of an active eating disorder during pregnancy or the 12-month postnatal period. Method A qualitative systematic literature review of numerous databases (Medline, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Scopus, Cochrane Library, MedNar, PsycExtra, National Institute for Health and Care Excellence and Open Grey) was performed examining any infant health outcomes. Results This resulted in 22 included studies (17 cohort, 3 cross-sectional, 1 case controlled and 1 mixed methods study). A range of adverse infant outcomes including poor birth, growth and interactional feeding outcomes were identified. Discussion Antenatal identification and treatment for women with an eating disorder during the perinatal period and their infants are vital. Optimizing pregnancy nutrition, maternal eating disorder symptoms and feeding interactions appear particularly important.