Fertility and pregnancy outcomes of women before and after bariatric surgery: The case of Turkey

Abstract

Background: Bariatric surgery is effective in reducing complications that may develop during pregnancy and childbirth in obese women. The aim of this study was to determine the fertility and pregnancy outcomes of women before and after bariatric surgery.Methods: This descriptive study was conducted in 121 women aged 18-45 years who underwent bariatric surgery in Istanbul between 2014 and 2018. Data were collected by calling the patients whose phone numbers were reached from the hospital records.Results: Before bariatric surgery, 62.8% of obese women became pregnant, the average weight gained during pregnancy was 17.07 +/- 11.39 kg, and 72.6% of newborns' birth weight was >= 3000 g. After bariatric surgery, 82.9% of the women became pregnant, the average weight gained during pregnancy was 10.05 +/- 4.03, and 44% of newborns' birth weight was >= 3000 g. Compared with preoperative period, in the postoperative period, the decrease in using a contraceptive method, receiving treatment to get pregnant, getting pregnant, the number of miscarriages, curettage, the mean gestational week, birth weight of the newborns, and weight gain during pregnancy was statistically significant.Conclusion: Although pregnancy is not a problem in obese women before bariatric surgery, it has a positive effect on pregnancy and obstetric problems. Close follow-up after bariatric surgery, especially for adequate weight gain, maintains its importance.