Fetal Growth Retardation After Gastric Banding

A 35-year-old woman became pregnant 15 months after gastric banding, during which time she lost 55 kg in weight. During the third trimester, severe vomiting was noted and she lost a further 6 kg. Ultrasound examination showed oligohydramnions and fetal growth retardation of 38%. Enteral nutrition was given until delivery and ultrasound verified normalization of the oligohydramnions and weight gain for the fetus. The woman was delivered by cesarean section of a female infant with birthweight 2,470 g. It is concluded that special care must be taken with regard to the nutritional status of pregnant women who have previously been operated on with gastric procedures for obesity, in order to diminish the risk of fetal growth retardation. Ultrasound examinations should be performed on wide indications and enteral nutrition must start immediately once fetal growth retardation is discovered.