Bariatric surgery, also known as weight loss surgery, is a surgical procedure that helps those who are obese or overweight to lose weight by reducing the size of their stomach.

While bariatric surgery has a range of benefits, potential patients need to consider its impact on pregnancy, such as the potential risks and benefits for both the mother and the baby.

What is bariatric surgery?

When patients undergo bariatric surgery, a surgeon will either reduce the size of the patient’s stomach or reroute the small intestine to a small stomach pouch.

This process will help reduce the amount of food the patient can eat, leading to weight loss.

There are three types of bariatric surgery:.

Gastric bypass surgery: A surgeon cuts the stomach and reroutes the small intestine to form a small stomach pouch.
Gastric sleeve surgery: A surgeon removes part of the stomach and forms the remaining section into a small tube shape.
Gastric band surgery: A surgeon places an inflatable band on top of the stomach to make it smaller.

Benefits of bariatric surgery before pregnancy

Bariatric surgery can be beneficial for women who are considering pregnancy as it reduces the risk of obesity-related complications that can occur before, during, and after pregnancy. Here are some benefits of bariatric surgery before pregnancy:.

Improvement of fertility: Obesity can make it challenging to conceive a child. Bariatric surgery can help patients with infertility problems, and women are more likely to get pregnant after surgery.
Reduced risk of gestational diabetes: Obese women are at high risk of developing gestational diabetes during pregnancy. Bariatric surgery reduces the likelihood of this condition occurring.
Lowered incidence of high blood pressure and preeclampsia: High blood pressure and preeclampsia are dangerous conditions that can occur during pregnancy. Bariatric surgery significantly lowers the chance of developing these conditions.
Less likelihood of premature delivery: Obesity often leads to premature birth, which has its risks. After undergoing bariatric surgery, women are less likely to deliver their babies prematurely.

Risks of bariatric surgery during pregnancy

Although bariatric surgery can enhance the health of the mother during pregnancy, it is still vital to consider the possible risks. Some of the risks of bariatric surgery during pregnancy are:.

Reduced nutrient absorption: Because of the reduced size of the stomach, it is possible that the patient may not obtain enough nutrients, vitamins, and minerals required for a healthy pregnancy.
Complications with fetal growth: There are limited studies on the correlation between bariatric surgery and fetal growth, but researchers suggest that the timing of human growth factor relays may be disrupted, leading to complications with fetal growth.
Increased risk of miscarriage: One study found that patients who had gastric bypass surgery face a 46% higher risk of spontaneous abortion.

Important considerations before undergoing bariatric surgery

If a woman is considering bariatric surgery before pregnancy, they must meet specific criteria, such as:.

They must be over eighteen years of age.
They must have a BMI of 40 or higher or a BMI of 35 or higher with related health conditions like hypertension and type 2 diabetes.
They must have previously attempted traditional weight loss methods.
They should not be planning to conceive within eighteen months of the surgery because their body needs time to recover and stabilize its nutritional needs.

Recommended follow-up care after bariatric surgery during pregnancy

After a woman gets pregnant, she must contact her surgeon and obstetrician. They will assess the woman’s health and provide the necessary follow-up care. Here are some recommended follow-up care that a pregnant woman should follow:.

Close monitoring of nutritional status: Since bariatric surgery reduces the absorption of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals in the stomach, pregnant women are advised to take supplements, such as calcium, vitamin D, and folic acid.
Regular prenatal appointments: During prenatal visits, an obstetrician will check for fetal growth and development. They will also check the woman’s nutritional status to ensure that both the mother and the baby are getting the right amount of nutrients.
Blood tests: Regular blood tests will help monitor the mother’s blood pressure, blood glucose levels, and nutrient levels.
Ultrasound testing: Regular ultrasound testing will help monitor the baby’s development, the fetal size and growth, and to check for any complications.

Conclusion

Bariatric surgery can be a safe and practical option for women who are considering pregnancy. It can improve fertility, reduce obesity-related complications, and enhance the health of the mother and the baby.

However, women are advised to get follow-up care from their surgeon and obstetrician, as they will check their nutritional status and monitor the baby’s development to ensure a healthy pregnancy. Women who are thinking of undergoing this type of surgery should weigh carefully between the risks and benefits by seeking advice from their physicians and doing proper research beforehand.