Pregnancy After Bariatric Surgery - Aastha Bariatrics

Introduction -

Obesity is defined as excessive fat accumulation and it is associated with higher rates of cardio-metabolic comorbidities and is rapidly increasing worldwide since decades. Effective weight loss approaches are necessary to overcome the negative long-term effects of obesity.

Why Bariatric surgery?

Along with lifestyle and medical treatment, Bariatric surgery is a commonly used treatment in patients who are severely obese, which has proven to result in good weight loss outcome. As per data, in past one decade, the numbers of Bariatric surgeries have increased by 800%. These surgeries are performed in about 80% in women and about half of them in women of reproductive age.

How to manage pregnancy post Bariatric surgery?

The special needs of the pregnant women are to be addressed individually. Supplementation of vitamins, minerals, and trace elements after Bariatric surgery as well as during pregnancy is essential to avoid deficiencies and further arising complications in mother and child. Ensure you consume enough macro and micronutrients so that it suffices the nutritional requirements for mother and the baby in the womb.

We at Aastha Healthcare, Mumbai ensure that the diet prescribed is such that it fulfills the nutritional needs and prevent deficiencies.

How can Bariatric surgery help during pregnancy?

Pregnancy post Bariatric surgery can be safe and healthy if it is managed well by you and your surgeon.

Many researches have been conducted and it suggests that Bariatric surgery before pregnancy can help lower the risk to women and the baby of obesity-related problems during pregnancy, including:

Gestational diabetes
Blood pressure disorders
Newborns who are large for their gestational ages
Postpartum hemorrhage
Cesarean delivery

If you have had weight-loss surgery and are considering pregnancy, consult your health care provider for guidance with planning before conception. Experts typically recommend pregnancy once your weight has stabilized.

Your health care provider might also recommend nutritional deficiency testing before conception to determine your individual need for supplements, as well as monthly tests during pregnancy. You might consult a registered dietitian along with your Bariatric surgeon for advice on nutrition and weight gain during pregnancy. In addition, your testing for gestational diabetes during pregnancy might be modified.

To track your baby’s growth, your health care provider might recommend a fetal ultrasound.

Similar to management in preparation for and after bariatric surgery, the approach during pregnancy should continue to be multidisciplinary with an emphasis on consultations from the nutritionist and surgeon. Patient education about nutrition and clinical management to prevent and detect nutritional deficiencies is key.

It’s been proven that Bariatric surgery improves pregnancy outcomes along with long-term health benefits.

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