Description

Article Title: Care of Pregnant Women With a History of Bariatric Surgery

Summary: In recent years, the incidence of bariatric surgery has increased among women of reproductive age. Health care providers should be knowledgeable about the impact bariatric surgery has on women and developing fetuses to effectively provide care from preconception through postpartum. Although pregnancy in women with normal weight or with excess weight after bariatric surgery has better outcomes when compared to pregnancy complicated by obesity, it is associated with complications such as nutritional deficiencies, low birth weight, and fetal growth restriction. Consequently, a multidisciplinary approach is recommended to ensure adequate nutrition, counseling, and screening before and during pregnancy. This article summarizes evidence regarding pregnancy complications that may occur in women with a history of bariatric surgery and presents a nursing, advanced practice nursing, and midwifery plan of care for these women before, during, and after pregnancy

 

Learning Outcomes:  At the conclusion of the activity, learners will be able to:

  • Compare various bariatric surgery options for women of reproductive age.
  • Describe the impact of bariatric surgery on women in the childbearing period.
  • Explore the unique care needs in the preconception, antepartum, intrapartum, and postpartum periods for women having bariatric procedures.

Citation:

Lindsay, N. S., & Ellsworth Bowers, E.R. (2021). Care of pregnant women with a history of bariatric surgery. Nursing for Women’s Health, 25(5).  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nwh.2021.08.003 

Faculty & Faculty Disclosures:

Nakeisha S. Lindsay, MSN, CNM, WHNP-BC

Esther R. Ellsworth Bowers, CNM/WHNP, MSN, MS, MEd

  • The author and planners for this learning activity report no conflicts of interest or relevant financial relationships. No commercial support was received for this learning activity.

Publication:

Nursing for Women’s Health (NWH), October 2021

Contact Hours:

1.25 hours (CNE available through 10/06/2024)

The Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation. Accredited status does not imply endorsement by AWHONN or ANCC of any commercial products displayed or discussed in conjunction with an educational activity. AWHONN is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, provider # CEP580.

 

Keywords: bariatric surgery, BMI, body mass index, nutrition, obesity, postpartum, preconception, pregnancy, prenatal

Target Audience: Women’s health, obstetric and neonatal nurses.