Maternal Nutritional Status and Related Pregnancy Outcomes Following Bariatric Surgery

Objective: Obesity has emerged as a major health concern in recent years, accompanied by an increase in the prevalence of bariatric surgery in women of reproductive age, but certain surgery specific risks may exist. The long term effects of surgery on pregnancy outcomes are still unknown. The aim of this review was to discuss the maternal nutritional status and related pregnancy outcomes following bariatric surgery.

Methods: The cochrane library and pubmed databases were searched for scientific articles between the periods 2015 and 2022. We included studies that discussed maternal nutritional status and related pregnancy outcomes following bariatric surgery. The obtained information was evaluated, compiled, analyzed, interpreted, and conclusions were reached.

Results: In total, 83 papers were reviewed. Bariatric operations can result in nutritional deficiencies in the mother thus increasing maternal morbidity and a higher risk of poor pregnancy outcomes. Moreover, under nutrition in pregnant women due to past bariatric surgery is associated with a range of harmful effects to the developing fetus, as well as for the child in the long term.

Conclusion: Optimal gametogenesis, embryonic development, and fetal health are all dependent on the health of the mother during the preconception as well as the pregnancy periods, which also has an impact on the health of the mother and the child later in life.