Bariatric surgery and pregnancy: the magical solution?

Abstract

The obesity epidemic is a problem of global importance with a profound impact on maternal-fetal health. Currently, 1 in 5 women, worldwide, are obese at time of conception. Normalizing pregravid weight may significantly reduce obstetrical complications and alter the long-term weight status of mother and child. Bariatric surgery is the most efficient form of weight loss in severely obese women. Surgery has the exciting potential to treat obesity in women of reproductive age and to prevent obesity-related reproductive complications. Pregnancy after bariatric surgery appears to be safe and is effective in reducing complications such as gestational diabetes mellitus, gestational hypertensive disorders and fetal macrosomia, but may result in an increase in neonates born small-for-gestational-age.