SURGICAL MANAGEMENT OF MORBID OBESITY IN PREGNANT WOMEN

Abstract

Introduction: Morbid obesity is a condition with increasing prevalence worldwide, and its occurrence in pregnant women has become a significant public health concern. Morbid obesity can lead to complications for both mother and fetus, increasing the risk of conditions such as hypertension, gestational diabetes, premature birth, and anesthetic complications. When associated with pregnancy, this condition requires careful management, which may include surgical interventions, such as bariatric surgery. Objective: To evaluate the most recent studies on the surgical management of morbid obesity in pregnant women, addressing the implications of bariatric surgery during and after pregnancy, and the effects on maternal and fetal health. Methodology: A systematic search was performed in the PubMed, SciELO, and Web of Science databases, using the descriptors: “morbid obesity”, “pregnant woman”, “bariatric surgery”, “maternity” and “complications”. The inclusion criteria were articles published in the last 10 years, which addressed pregnant women undergoing bariatric surgery and which presented relevant clinical data on pregnancy. The exclusion criteria were studies that did not involve pregnant women, articles outside the determined publication period and studies with incomplete data. The methodology followed the PRISMA checklist guidelines. Results: The results showed that bariatric surgery can be a safe and effective option for morbidly obese women who wish to become pregnant, with significant benefits in reducing obesity-related complications during pregnancy. Conclusion: Bariatric surgery can be an effective tool in the management of morbid obesity in pregnant women, as long as it is performed with strict clinical monitoring, with emphasis on nutrition and gestational monitoring.