Survey of Australian clinicians' antenatal care and management practices in pregnant women with a history of bariatric surgery.

Abstract

Background: Pregnancy following bariatric surgery requires tailored care. The current Australian care provision and its alignment with consensus guidelines is unclear.

Methods: Antenatal care clinicians were invited to complete a web-based survey assessing multidisciplinary referral, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and micronutrient management practices.

Results: Respondents (n = 100) cared for pregnant women with a history of bariatric surgery at least monthly (63%) with most (54%) not using a specific guideline to direct care. GDM screening methods included one-week of home blood glucose monitoring (43%) or the oral glucose tolerance test (42%). Pregnancy multivitamin supplementation changes (59%) with bariatric surgery type were common. Half (54%) screened for micronutrient deficiencies every trimester and conducted additional growth ultrasounds (50%).

Conclusion: The care clinicians report providing may not align with current international consensus guidelines. Further studies with increased obstetric clinician response may aid increased understanding of current practices. The development of workplace management guidelines for pregnancy in women with a history of bariatric surgery may assist with providing consistent evidence-based care.