Pregnancy After Bariatric Surgery: Effects on Mother and Newborn

Abstract

Obesity, which has become a global public health problem, affects the health of many individuals negatively. It is known that it is effective in the emergence of sudden and long-term morbidities in terms of mother and newborn, especially by affecting the reproductive health of women. There is evidence that different surgical procedures performed within the scope of bariatric surgery, which is frequently preferred in the treatment of obesity in recent years, prevent some maternal and fetal complications in morbidly obese pregnant women. This review was conducted to evaluate the effects of bariatric surgery on mothers and newborns and the role of nurses in the follow-up of pregnancy after bariatric surgery. In the literature, it has been determined that there are risks such as micronutrient deficiencies and insufficient weight gain related to maternal health and fetal growth during pregnancy after bariatric surgery. In the studies conducted, the results of the positive effects of bariatric surgery in the treatment of obesity and its positive effects on maternal and newborn health are emphasized. It is reported that bariatric surgery improves pregnancy and fertility with safe pregnancy in terms of pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia, eclampsia, gestational diabetes, and it is safe for newborns in terms of risks such as shoulder dystocia, macrosomia, and birth asphyxia. It is thought that this review study will increase the awareness of nurses about the management of the pregnancy process after bariatric surgery and contribute to the integration of evidence-based practices in this field into nursing care.