Eating attitudes and behaviors in pregnancy and postpartum: Global stability versus specific transitions

Global changes in eating attitudes were examined prospectively across pregn ancy and 4 months postpartum in a sample of 90 women. In addition, specific changes in dieting behavior and weight/shape satisfaction were assessed at 4 months postpartum for concurrent and retrospective time points. Measures included the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT) and weight/shape satisfaction in pregnancy and at 4 months postpartum, as well as prepregnancy, pregnancy, a nd postpartum weight loss efforts. While global EAT scores were stable acro ss time, dieting scores (Factor I) increased between pregnancy and postpart um. Weight/shape satisfaction was higher in pregnancy, and satisfaction was related to EAT scores at 4 months postpartum but not during pregnancy. Pre pregnancy dieters and nondieters were best discriminated by higher weights, elevated pregnancy dieting scores, and lower postpartum weight/shape satis faction. Results emphasize the importance of looking beyond changes in glob al eating attitudes and behaviors to more specific eating concerns or behav iors. Lastly, the results have implications for identifying women at risk f or eating- and weight-related concerns during this period of rapid physical change.