Aim: The objective of this study is to evaluate maternal and fetal outcomes following pregnancies after bariatric surgery as compared to the general population affected by obesity. Methods:A systematic review was conducted through MEDLINE, Cochrane, and EMBASE to identify relevant studies from 2007 to 2016 with comparative data on the maternal and fetal delivery outcomes following bariatric surgery as compared to the population affected by obesity. The primary outcome analyzed was the rate of cesarean deliveries.Other outcomes included intrauterine growth restriction, small for gestational age, large for gestational age, macrosomia pregnancy-induced hypertension, gestational diabetes, assisted vaginal delivery, and preterm delivery. Statistical analysis was done using fixed-effects meta-analysis to compare the mean value of the two groups (Comprehensive Meta-Analysis Version 3.3.070 software; Biostat Inc., Englewood, NJ). Results:Out of 549 studies, 13 were quantitatively assessed and included for meta-analysis. The need for caesarean sections in post-bariatric women was found to be significantly lower when compared to women affected by obesity [odds ratio (OR) 0.623, P < 0.001). There were also significant reduction in the incidence of LGA (OR 0.491, P < 0.001), macrosomia (OR 0.251, P < 0.001), and assisted vaginal delivery (OR 0.807, P < 0.001) in the post bariatric group of women. There was an increase in the incidence of PIH (OR 1.113, P < 0.001), SGA (OR 2.305, P < 0.001) and IUGR (OR 2.099, P < 0.001). The incidence of preterm delivery (OR 0.982, P > 0.05) and gestational diabetes (OR 1.046, P > 0.05) were similar in both groups. Conclusion:Patients affected by obesity considering conceiving in the near future should consider bariatric surgery prior to conception to lower their risk of potentially adverse delivery outcomes.

No abstract