Getting pregnant after bariatric surgery is possible although specific nutritional care, such as the ingestion of vitamin supplements, is usually necessary to ensure the delivery of all the nutrients important for the development of the baby and for the health of the mother.
However, in most cases, it is recommended to wait about 18 months before attempting to get pregnant so that weight loss has stabilized and the woman's body is prepared for further changes that will be brought about by conception and gestation.
In addition, there are also cases where bariatric surgery is used as a way to improve the woman's fertility, since being overweight can also harm the process of getting pregnant.
How to take care of pregnancy after bariatric surgery
Post-bariatric pregnancy needs to be accompanied by the obstetrician to assess the correct development of the baby, however it is also important to follow closely with the nutritionist, because it is necessary to adapt the diet to the possible lack of nutrients caused by the stomach decrease.
Some of the nutrients most affected by surgery that normally need supplementation are:
- Vitamin B12 : helps prevent the onset of neurological changes in the baby's brain;
- Iron : It is important to maintain proper blood production and strengthen the immune system against infections;
- Calcium : is essential for the development of healthy bones in the baby, as well as for the development of the heart and nerves;
- Vitamin D : In addition to strengthening the immune system, it helps in the absorption of calcium for the development of the baby's bones.
Thus, in addition to prenatal consultations, performed by the obstetrician, the pregnant woman should also make regular consultations with the nutritionist to treat nutritional deficiencies, preventing or treating problems related to her absence.
In addition, abdominal pain, vomiting, heartburn and hypoglycaemia are more common in this type of pregnancy, and therefore, the follow-up of the nutritionist is essential to control this type of symptoms. See some care that helps relieve these troubles of pregnancy.
Bariatric surgery after pregnancy
Bariatric surgery after pregnancy is usually not indicated as a way to help the mother regain pre-pregnancy weight, but may be advised by the doctor in very specific cases of very intense weight gain.
Anyway, even if it is done by laparoscopy, which is a less invasive form of surgery, the reduction of the stomach can only happen according to medical evaluation, after the mother recovers completely from the delivery.
Learn more about how it can be done and how much it can cost for bariatric surgery
