Is There an Increase in Risks?
There will always be some degree of risk associated with pregnancy. However, it is often safer to carry a child following bariatric surgery, as opposed to being an obese mother. Carrying excess weight during pregnancy can increase the child's risk of certain defects, such as heart defects and spina bifida. Becoming pregnant after your weight loss has stabilized, however, can be healthier both for yourself and your baby.
Benefits of achieving a healthy body mass index (BMI) before becoming pregnant or trying to conceive carries several benefits:
- Decreased risk of maternal complication rates
- Lower risk of developing high blood pressure
- Often cures infertility
- Less likely that the child will become obese
- Lower risk of cardiovascular issues in babies
- Better neonatal outcomes
By committing to leading a healthier lifestyle, most patients find that waiting until after surgery to become pregnant is a smart decision.