Care of Pregnant Women With a History of Bariatric Surgery

Abstract

In recent years, the incidence of bariatric surgery has increased among women of reproductive age. Health care providers should be knowledgeable about the impact bariatric surgery has on women and developing fetuses to effectively provide care from preconception through postpartum. Although pregnancy in women with normal weight or with excess weight after bariatric surgery has better outcomes when compared to pregnancy complicated by obesity, it is associated with complications such as nutritional deficiencies, low birth weight, and fetal growth restriction. Consequently, a multidisciplinary approach is recommended to ensure adequate nutrition, counseling, and screening before and during pregnancy. This article summarizes evidence regarding pregnancy complications that may occur in women with a history of bariatric surgery and presents a nursing, advanced practice nursing, and midwifery plan of care for these women before, during, and after pregnancy.