Why You Should Wait: Pregnancy Too Soon After Bariatric Surgery and Its Risks
Pregnancy problems are one of the many complications experienced by obese women, especially women of childbearing age. Excess weight can cause fertility issues, and the best way to resolve it is by losing weight. There are many surgical and non-surgical ways to lose weight. However, sometimes non-surgical ways alone might not help them achieve their weight-loss goals. For such people, bariatric surgery might be the best solution.
Bariatric surgery is a proven and effective obesity treatment that results in substantial weight loss and also improves various obesity-related complications. But for people who have had bariatric procedures and are planning a baby, it’s crucial to understand certain things. It requires careful planning and special care to ensure the mother and baby’s health. This is because pregnancy too soon after a bariatric surgery is not ideal.
This article will educate you on the factors to consider as well as the potential complications of becoming pregnant too soon after bariatric surgery.
Post-surgery considerations to consider after surgery
Time gap
In general, after bariatric surgery, people should wait at least 12 to 18 months to consider pregnancy. After surgery, your body needs to stabilize and recover, and this timeframe gives your body the time it needs. This is the time frame to achieve your weight loss goals and to achieve them, you should make certain changes in life, like the daily diet and exercise routine, and optimize your nutritional status.
Stabilize your weight before conception
After bariatric surgery, you will be losing weight and gaining weight. So, if you are considering pregnancy, it is very important to stabilize your weight. Losing weight or gaining weight rapidly, which is expected after bariatric surgery, can lead to complications like nutritional deficiencies, low birth weight, high blood pressure, preeclampsia, and gestational diabetes. To ensure the health of both mother and baby, work closely with an expert doctor and dietitian to achieve and maintain the ideal pregnancy weight.
Evaluate your nutritional status
Bariatric surgery makes major changes to the digestive system, which alters many bodily functions, including the ability to absorb and process nutrients by the body. Nutrition is very important during the pregnancy. Lack of nutrition during pregnancy can lead to severe complications for both the mother and the baby.
Mother’s risk
- Anaemia
- Pre-eclampsia
- Haemorrhage
Baby’s risk
- low birth weight
- Stillbirth
- birth defects
- hearing or visual impairment
So it is important to evaluate your nutritional status before considering pregnancy and manage if there are any deficiencies. Regular blood tests might be suggested to monitor vital nutrients like iron, folate, vitamin B12, and vitamin D. If the levels of nutrients are inadequate, doctors recommend taking nutritional supplements.
Naturally, pregnancy leads to weight gain, which impacts the weight loss efforts of bariatric patients. To ensure a minimal and healthy weight gain, consult expert doctors for guidance on a nutritious diet and physical activity to be carried out during pregnancy.
By considering these factors, you can improve your chances of having a healthy pregnancy after bariatric surgery. Remember, post-surgery circumstances are different for every individual, so it is important to receive personalized care and guidance according to your particular requirements.
Risks and Complications
Here are the potential risks and complications you might experience if you are considering pregnancy too soon after a weight surgery:
Risks to mothers
- Nutritional deficiencies; inadequate absorption of nutrients by the body can result in malnutrition.
- Reduced or restricted fluid intake after surgery can lead to dehydration.
- The electrolyte levels are altered due to the changes made to the intestinal tract.
- You may experience GI complications like ulcers, bowel obstruction, or leaks.
- Hernias, bowel obstruction, or staple line failure are surgery-related complications in mothers.
Risks for newborns
- Low birth weight
- Preterm birth or premature birth
- Small for gestational age (SGA) (less birth weight)
- Increased risk of birth defects
- Nutritional deficiencies such as folate and iron deficiencies
The risks and complications might vary depending on the type of bariatric surgery.
People who have undergone gastric bypass and considering early pregnancy might be at higher risk of neonatal hypoglycemia and premature birth
People who have undergone sleeve gastrectomy, also called gastric sleeve, and are considering early pregnancy might be at higher risk of gestational diabetes and hypertension.
People who have undergone adjustable gastric banding (AGB) and are considering early pregnancy might be at higher risk of slippage of the band or erosion.
If you are looking for the best bariatric surgeon in Hyderabad, consult Dr. Venugopal Pareek; he has more than 18 years of experience and can help you with the best course of treatment. Call +91 91-777-77715 for an appointment or book your slot at Contact Us.
