# Do Gynecologists-Obstetricians Know How to Manage Pregnancies in Women After Bariatric Surgery?

## TL;DR

This study finds that most gynecologists-obstetricians lack sufficient knowledge to properly manage pregnancies in women who have had bariatric surgery.

## Contribution

The study reveals a critical knowledge gap among specialists in caring for post-bariatric surgery pregnancies.

## Key findings

- Only one participant answered all questions correctly about post-bariatric pregnancy care.
- 30% of participants knew how to diagnose gestational diabetes in these pregnancies.
- Correct answers on dietary recommendations correlated with understanding pregnancy risks.

## Abstract

Introduction and aim of the study: The majority of bariatric procedures are performed in women of reproductive age, which has resulted in a growing number of pregnancies following bariatric surgery. The purpose of the study was to analyze whether obstetricians-gynecologists taking care of pregnancies after bariatric surgery possess sufficient knowledge about it. Materials and method: The study was conducted in the form of a multiple choice, anonymous survey, conducted among 123 certified specialists in obstetrics and gynecology and 37 residents training in obstetrics and gynecology. The questions were related to supplementation of vitamins and micronutrients, the appropriate time interval between bariatric surgery and pregnancy, dietary recommendations, diagnosing gestational diabetes mellitus, and risks for the fetus following bariatric surgery. Results: The majority of participants did not know the correct answers, with only one participant who answered correctly all the questions provided. There was a correlation between giving correct answers to the question about dietary recommendations and the question about risks existing during a pregnancy after bariatric surgery. Only 30% of participants knew how gestational diabetes mellitus should be diagnosed in pregnancies after bariatric surgery. Conclusions: To enhance safety for women and their children, it is of utmost importance to implement additional training and educational programs for obstetricians-gynecologists about optimum care for pregnancies after bariatric surgery.