Abstract
The optimal interval between bariatric surgery (BS) and pregnancy remains clearly undefined. The aim of this study was to assess pregnancy outcomes according to the interval from BS to conception. The nationwide study cohort consisted of 130 women with previous BS and postoperative singleton delivery during 2005–2015 in Lithuania. Women who conceived within the first 12 months after BS were included in the early conception (EC) group (n = 30); who became pregnant after 1 year were included in the late conception (LC) group (n = 100). Mean surgery-to-conception time in the EC group was 6.9 ± 3.5 months; in the LC group was 41.4 ± 21.6 months. Anaemia was diagnosed significantly more frequently in women who conceived after 12 months compared with the EC group (56.0% versus 33.3%, p = .04). No significant differences were found between the EC and the LC group regarding gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, caesarean section rate, and adverse neonatal outcomes.
What is already known on the subject? Bariatric surgery is recognized as a safe and highly effective approach to obesity treatment. Optimal interval between bariatric surgery and conception remains undefined, however most bariatric surgeons advise patients to delay pregnancy for 12–18 months.
What do the results of this study add? The results of our study did not show significant differences in pregnancy complications and neonatal outcomes in women who conceived within the first 12 postoperative months and in women who conceived later. Women who become pregnant within the first year after surgery, should be reassured that obstetric complication rates generally are low.
What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Patients with prior BS should be provided with multidisciplinary prenatal care and screening for nutritional deficiencies during pregnancy. Further studies are needed to determine the optimal interval after BS and to assess the influence this interval has on perinatal outcomes.
Impact statement
Acknowledgements
The authors thank professionals of the National Health Insurance Fund under the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Lithuania for assistance with retrieval and coding of the research data.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.