A Review of Obstetrical Outcomes and Complications in Pregnant Women after Bariatric Surgery

Abstract

Bariatric surgery (BS) is a novel treatment for weight reduction with longer lasting health benefits. This review aimed to summarise the available evidence regarding the fetomaternal outcomes and the most common challenges and complications in pregnancies following BS. Google Scholar (Google LLC, Mountain View, California, USA) and PubMed^® (National Library of Medicine, Bethesda, Maryland, USA) databases were searched for articles published until December 2018. A total of 64 articles were included in this review and results showed that BS mitigates the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus, hypertensive disorders in pregnancy and fetal macrosomia. However, it can also have detrimental effects on fetomaternal health. There is paucity of data regarding small for gestational age intrauterine growth restriction, premature rupture of membranes and longterm effects on the children born to women who underwent BS.

Keywords: Bariatric Surgery; Nutritional Deficiencies; Obesity; Pregnancy; Surgical Injuries.