Abstract

Obesity is known to reduce fertility and increase the risk of pregnancy related complications. Many women of childbearing age undertake bariatric surgery to lose weight for the purpose of becoming pregnant. Bariatric surgery results in physical changes that are associated with both benefits and risks for maternal and neonatal outcomes. Women’s understanding of these risks and their experiences once they become pregnant after bariatric surgery are not well documented. The aim of this study was to explore the information needs and experiences of Australian women who become pregnant following bariatric surgery. A qualitative study of 11 Australian women with experiences of pregnancy following bariatric surgery participated in a private Facebook discussion group conducted in 2021. Women were recruited via targeted advertisements on social media. The data were thematically analysed. Women reported a number of information gaps regarding the implications of having bariatric surgery for preconception, pregnancy, and postnatal periods. Family planning, pregnancy nutrition, and breastfeeding after bariatric surgery were identified as key areas of information need. Women perceived healthcare providers lacked knowledge regarding pregnancy following bariatric surgery. Women described judgemental attitudes from their clinicians, negatively impacting their maternity care experience. Healthcare care providers of women who have had bariatric procedures need to effectively communicate the risks of pregnancy too soon following bariatric surgery. Despite recommendations to delay pregnancy for 12 months post-surgery, many women will become pregnant intentionally or unintentionally earlier than advised. Undertaking shared decision making and non-judgemental approaches to effectively manage risks will be of benefit to these women. The findings suggest that specifically tailored resources and education for women and their healthcare providers can improve the care experiences of women who wish to become pregnant following bariatric surgery.

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