Bariatric surgery and pregnancy
Written by: Laura Arantegui / Date: 14-08-24 / Reading of 5 Minutes
Is it possible to get pregnant after bariatric surgery?
Yes, it is possible to become pregnant after bariatric surgery. In fact, many women experience improved fertility after significant weight loss following surgery.
However, bariatric surgery guidelines recommend waiting at least 12 to 18 months after surgery before trying to conceive. This period allows the body to stabilize and weight loss goals to be achieved, thus reducing the risks to both mother and baby.
Table of Contents
- Potential risks and complications
- Adequate vitamin supplementation
- 3. Benefits of bariatric surgery for pregnancy
Risks and potential complications
Although bariatric surgery can improve fertility, there are also risks and complications to consider:
Nutritional deficiencies and their impact on pregnancy
Bariatric surgery can lead to nutritional deficiencies due to reduced nutrient absorption. Common deficiencies include iron, calcium, vitamin B12 and folic acid, all of which are essential for a healthy pregnancy.
These deficiencies can increase the risk of some complications such as:
- Anemia: May cause fatigue and increase the risk of premature delivery.
- Neural tube defects: Associated with lack of folic acid.
- Bone development problems: Related to calcium and vitamin D deficiency.
Risk of complications such as gestational diabetes and hypertension
Women who have had bariatric surgery should be closely monitored for risk of gestational diabetes and hypertension. Although weight loss may decrease these risks compared to obese women who have not had bariatric surgery, they still exist and require continued surveillance.
Tips for ahealthypregnancypost bariatric surgery
It is essential to have regular consultations with a multidisciplinary team that includes a gynecologist, a nutritionist and the bariatric surgeon. This team can monitor the mother's overall health, the baby's growth and adjust nutritional and supplementation recommendations as needed.
Adequate vitamin supplementation
Vitamin supplementation is essential to prevent nutritional deficiencies. Pregnant women who have had bariatric surgery should be sure to receive:
- Folic acid: To prevent neural tube defects.
- Iron: To avoid anemia.
- Calcium and Vitamin D: For bone health of both mother and baby.
- Vitamin B12: To maintain adequate levels and avoid pernicious anemia.
We recommend BariMIX PREGNANCY which offers a balanced and precise combination of nutrients, adapted to the particular needs of women at this crucial stage of their lives. With this module, we seek to ensure that both mother and baby receive the vital elements for a healthy development, thus providing peace of mind and security during pregnancy. It is the ideal option for pregnant women who have undergone bariatric surgery, offering a complete and specialized formula to cover their nutritional requirements during this important stage.
Recommended time to conceive after surgery:
As mentioned above, it is recommended to wait at least 12 to 18 months post-surgery before trying to conceive. This time allows the body to adjust and weight loss to stabilize, reducing risks and ensuring a healthier environment for pregnancy.
Importance of stabilizing weight before pregnancy:
Stabilizing weight before pregnancy is crucial to minimize risks and ensure that the body is in the best possible condition to withstand the additional stress of pregnancy. A stable weight also helps prevent complications such as gestational diabetes and hypertension.
Benefits of bariatric surgery for pregnancy
- Improved ovulation and regularization of the menstrual cycle: Significant weight loss after bariatric surgery can improve ovulation and regularize the menstrual cycle, increasing the chances of conception.
- Reduction of hormonal problems associated with obesity: Obesity is linked to hormonal problems that can affect fertility. Bariatric surgery can reduce these problems, improving hormonal balance and, consequently, fertility.
In conclusion, bariatric surgery can offer numerous benefits for women who wish to become pregnant, but it is essential to follow medical recommendations and work with a team of specialists to ensure the best possible outcome for both mother and baby.
Bibliographic references
1. Bretón I, Ballesteros-Pomar MD, Calle-Pascual A, Alvarez-Sala LA, Rubio-Herrera MA. Micronutrients in Pregnancy after Bariatric Surgery: A Narrative Review. J Clin Med. 2023 Aug 21;12(16):5429. doi: 10.3390/jcm12165429. PMID: 37629473; PMCID: PMC10455502.
2. Alamri SH, Abdeen GN. Maternal Nutritional Status and Pregnancy Outcomes Post-bariatric Surgery. Obes Surg. 2022 Apr;32(4):1325-1340. doi: 10.1007/s11695-021-05822-y. Epub 2022 Feb 15. PMID: 35165854; PMCID: PMC8933294.
3. Martinez A, Miguel R, Riobo A, Sieiro CA, Rodriguez TC, Silva JI, Fraile FJ, Gonzalez M, Rodriguez S, Pena N, Gonzalez MJ, Ruiz DM, Morales MJ. Impact of bariatric surgery on maternal-fetal gestational outcomes compared with nonoperated obese women. Nutr Hosp. 2024;41(4):804-809.
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