Women considering pregnancy after weight loss surgery take note: The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has issued new guidelines to protect the health of both mother and child.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) has issued a new bulletin detailing its recommendations for bariatric surgery patients who have had a baby or are planning to have one soon.
The guidelines, published in the June issue of Obstetrics & Gynecology, are the result of exhaustive research of the more than 30 years’ of scientific literature on obesity and pregnancy. Expert opinions from obstetricians, gynecologists, and others also were incorporated into the study report.
The reports suggests that a mother-to-be who has had weight loss surgery should:
- consult her bariatric surgeon at the beginning of her pregnancy,
- consult a nutritionist for advice on the physiological changes during pregnancy and schedule a wide-spectrum assessment for micronutrient deficiencies,
- wait 12 to 24 months after bariatric surgery before conceiving, and
- closely watch maternal weight and nutritional status, including regular ultrasounds to monitor fetal growth.
The report’s authors emphasize that managing a pregnancy after bariatric surgery can be complex, and that post-operative weight loss surgery patients should discuss the observations and recommendations found in the study with their doctor before taking any action. Find out more about the report at www.acog.org.
