Pregnancy following gastric bypass surgery: what is the expected course and outcome?

AIM: To examine the course of pregnancy, labour, and the neonatal period in a group of women who have become pregnant following gastric bypass surgery for severe obesity.

METHODS: Women who had experienced pregnancy following gastric bypass surgery were identified by an initial questionnaire. A second questionnaire was sent to those identified by the first questionnaire, who were willing to provide details concerning such pregnancies.

RESULTS: Seventeen women experienced a total of 24 pregnancies and 25 live births. Five had experienced difficulties with conception or pregnancy prior to surgery. The average maternal weight gain was 6.13 kg. No major problems with fetal growth were observed. Babies were delivered at a mean gestational age of 37.5 weeks and with a mean birth weight of 3038 g. Six women reported a complication during pregnancy (25%) and five a complication in labour (20%). Two babies born to the same mother had congenital abnormalities attributable to a rare genetic disorder.

CONCLUSION: The course of pregnancy and labour appears normalised for severely obese women following gastric bypass surgery. The weight loss and marked reduction in food intake following gastric bypass surgery does not lead to growth or development problems for offspring. Careful monitoring of expectant mothers who have undergone gastric bypass surgery is nevertheless to be recommended.