pregnancy in women with BS deserve special consideration. among them micronutrient deficiencies are frequent requiring standardised care. it poses risk to both mother and baby. deficiencies depend on type of surgery, time from surgery and symptoms. also impacted by state of malabsorption, foetal demands and diet. we compared values of trace elements and vitamins in pregnant women without and after BS over a 4-year period. all women were treated as per standardised protocols at the hospital. supplements prescribed were with RDI approved international guidelines.
the results were similar in both groups except for Folate levels which were low in women after BS. This could have serious impact in relation to neural tube defects and other congenital anomalies.
unfortunately, no breakdown is available for type of surgery, or timing of surgery for this result.
most traditional supplements are not suitable for this vulnerable cohort of pregnant women after BS as the doses in prenatal supplements are modified and inadequate. we would like to highlight more specific supplements in such situations.