Bariatric surgery has been noted as a weight loss method that results in significant weight loss and improvement in medical conditions.

Obesity is a known risk factor for pregnancy complications such as gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and preterm delivery. With the increase in obesity rates and the growing number of women of childbearing age who undergo bariatric surgery, there has been a growing interest in the impact of bariatric surgery on pregnancy outcomes.

Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes is a common pregnancy complication where pregnant women who have never had diabetes before have high blood sugar levels.

Studies have shown that women who undergo bariatric surgery prior to pregnancy have a lower incidence of gestational diabetes. Furthermore, those who do develop gestational diabetes have a lower risk of complications such as large for gestational age babies and cesarean section delivery.

Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-related condition where high blood pressure and damage to organs occur.

A study conducted in Sweden has found that women who undergo bariatric surgery before pregnancy had a 70% lower risk of developing severe preeclampsia compared to those who did not undergo the surgery. Another study conducted in Israel also showed that women who undergo bariatric surgery have a lower incidence of preeclampsia.

Preterm Delivery

Preterm delivery is a significant complication of pregnancy that is associated with both short- and long-term complications for the baby.

Women who have undergone bariatric surgery have a lower incidence of preterm delivery compared to those who did not have the surgery. A study conducted in the United Kingdom has shown that women who have undergone bariatric surgery have a lower incidence of very preterm delivery, which is defined as delivery before 32 weeks of gestation.

Neonatal Outcomes

The impact of bariatric surgery on neonatal outcomes has been studied.

Studies have shown that neonates of women who have undergone bariatric surgery have a lower incidence of large for gestational age babies and a lower incidence of macrosomia compared to neonates of women who did not undergo the surgery. Furthermore, neonates of women who underwent the surgery have better blood sugar control compared to neonates of women who did not undergo the surgery.

Miscarriage and Stillbirth

The impact of bariatric surgery on miscarriage and stillbirth has been studied.

A large study conducted in Sweden has shown that women who undergo bariatric surgery have a lower incidence of stillbirth and miscarriage compared to those who did not undergo the surgery. Furthermore, women who had the surgery prior to pregnancy had a lower incidence of stillbirth compared to those who had the surgery during pregnancy.

Conclusion

Bariatric surgery has been shown to reduce the incidence of pregnancy complications such as gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, preterm delivery, and stillbirth.

Furthermore, neonatal outcomes such as macrosomia and blood sugar control are better in neonates of women who have undergone bariatric surgery. Women considering bariatric surgery should discuss the impact of surgery on future pregnancies with their healthcare providers.