As more and more women are undergoing weight loss surgery, women of childbearing age undergo such surgeries. But is it safe to become pregnant after bariatric surgery? If so, then how long to wait? Are there any precautions to take for ensuring healthy pregnancy and delivery?
While there are several questions, the study says that pregnancy after bariatric is safe. It is better to be pregnant after bariatric than being pregnant while obese. Obese women often go infertile, but if they manage to get pregnant, then it includes risk levels. They could also face other complications such as gestational diabetes, hypertension, preeclampsia, and foetal distress. In such scenarios, standard delivery is a big no. The only option is the C-section.
Pregnancy after bariatric surgery the new trend?
Diet, exercise, and medications are not always helpful at maintaining or producing weight loss amongst obese people. So, these women are opting for bariatric surgery. The bottom line here is, almost half of those who have undergone bariatric surgery are of reproductive age.
Wait before attempting pregnancy after surgery
Women of childbearing age who seek to get pregnant after the surgery should at least wait for 18 months because this is whqaen rapid weight loss happens. It gets difficult to meet the nutritional needs during these times without the added issues of pregnancy. Such rapid weight loss could deprive a developing foetus of the nutrients which it needs for growing and thriving.
Most surgeons also advice the women of childbearing age who undertake bariatric surgeries to use reliable contraception during the waiting period. The moment unwanted pounds come off; pregnancy can be a huge responsibility. Women who are overweight can face other pregnancy challenges, but weight loss increases fertility chances. Infertility issues related to linked to obesity get resolved as the hormone levels come back to the normal level.
Complications and risk levels drop
Studies have found that women who underwent bariatric surgery, developed pregnancy-induced hypertension and gestational diabetes at rates like those of healthy women who were never obese or had weight loss surgery.
But since many women who took the surgery do remain plus-size to some extent when they get pregnant, the expecting mothers can seek doctors to keep a closer watch on their pregnancies.
Chances of caesarean are high
Pregnant women who had bariatric surgery earlier have high chances of having c-section surgery. Although there are no reasons to back this research, it helps to ask your healthcare provider about the same. Does your provider consider you at high risk for a caesarean? If so, why? As your provider, the rate of c-section possibility and philosophy behind the same in general. If you have no serious health concerns, is it possible to try for normal delivery? During the normal delivery, what might persuade for caesarean intervention?
If you follow your doctor’s weight-loss recommendations, you can do away with c-section. Exercising during pregnancy, taking childbirth preparation classes, and so on are other advice to follow.