What not to say to a pregnant person with an eating disorder

Thursday, March 1, 2012

I have the pleasure of seeing multiple doctors and health care providers pretty frequently during my pregnancies- this one is no different.

At my most recent appointment the nurse commented on my weight gain. Until this appointment, I did not know my weight, and was doing a decent job of living in ignorance with small moments of panic interspersed. The comment implied that I had gained too much weight and that I should be very careful from here on out- well thanks.

I have been open with my doctors and healthcare providers about my eating issues. It is not a secret. It is plain and simple on my chart. Immediately, I called her out on it, telling her that as a person with a prolific eating disorder history these type of comments can easily send me into a tailspin. When my doctor came in- he got an earful too. Funny thing though- is he was not concerned about my weight, he is actually happy that I have continued to gain weight at a steady pace, and has no issues with the overall number.

Regardless, be careful what you say to someone- you may not be aware of what lurks beneath their skin. Without a doubt a few years ago- a comment like that would have sent me into outright panic, and would not have been healthy for the baby or me. Now, it pissed me off a lot, but I am lucky enough to have a support system to help keep my feet on the ground.

2 comments:

Unknown said...

You never do know do you? I really struggled with the same thing while I was pregnant. You work so hard to NOT play that number game it's dreadful to have it in your face with each appointment.

Atwood-Family of FIVE said...

Even w/ "experts" ie, doctors, you have to take everything with a grain of salt. One will see something and be worried, another will see the exact same thing and think it's fine. But, I have a hard time believing you have gained too much weight. Sounds like the nurse is an idiot.

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