High risk?

So I am planning to start trying for a baby in about a year (putting me 14 months or so post op)  and I have heard many times I will be considered high risk because of the surgery (RNY) than malabsorbtion --which you can mitigate by eating more protein/vitamins etc--why else are we high risk?   I really want to have my baby at home--but most midwives won't do high risk at home--but if we are only high risk due to malabsorbtion --then if the baby is big enough and I am healthy enough--why couldn't we have it at home?

Hi Danielle,

You actually might not be considered high risk. Many doctors would not consider you high risk just because of RNY. My doctor is one of the ones who does. But I have heard many women on this board who have not been high risk.

Good luck!

Tina

I was NEVER considered high risk. I was healthier than I ever had been in my life.
Had the easiest pregnancy, no morning sickness, and stayed within the recommended 25-35lbs weight gain.

Good Luck

This is my 2nd post-op baby, different doctor, different town, and I wasn't considered high risk either time.  For most doctors, RNY patients need some special considerations, but it doesn't mean "high risk pregnancy."

There is at least one post-WLS mom-to-be planning a homebirth.  Her name is gerberika and she's a DSer, so she has more malabsorption than you. 

Malabsorption certainly can be a risk factor, but it shouldn't automatically make you "high-risk," if that makes sense.  If you're eating enough protein, your labs are good and stable, and you have a vitamin regimen that works for you, that's a good start.  If you get a midwife (homebirth or hospital or birth center) she needs to stay on top of labs in conjunction with your bariatric clinic. 

I suggest that you research and even call/e-mail local homebirth midwives and ask if any of them have experience with bariatric patients.  If anyone sounds really hesitant or has a lot of preconceived notions about bariatric surgery or patients, she can get crossed off the list now.  

My suggestion to you is that you don't talk much about homebirth to the people who you don't think will be supportive of your homebirth because of your WLS (or because they are anti-homebirth, whatever.)  Of course there are risks to routine homebirth, but there are risks in hospital too.  I mean, not many people contract MRSA in their own living rooms, right?  At any rate, talk to your surgeon too about your risks in a post-op pregnancy when you are getting cleared to TTC.  He'll help let you know if there are any red flags in your labs, etc.  But I wouldn't expect a surgeon to say, "Yay homebirth!" either, so I wouldn't necessarily frame it in terms of, "Can I homebirth?"  If he says your risks are not elevated due to WLS, that should be enough and then you and whatever care provider you choose can figure out how to proceed.

A DSer here who's never been considered high risk.  Just make sure they run your labs regularly and you should be fine as a "normal" pregnancy.

I got pregnant 3 months post-op from RNY and I am not considered high risk because of that.  I do see the perinatologists (high risk OB's) because I also had a mass growing next to the baby that had to be surgically removed a couple weeks ago.  However, the perinatologists do seem to have a lot more common knowledge about weight loss surgeries and their effects on pregnancy.  They understand I cannot do the normal glucose testing in the 2nd trimester, and a lot more stuff.  I am comfortable seeing the high risk doctors because of their knowledge, but again, I am not considered high risk because of RNY alone.

I see the high risk OB for two reasons. 1) I am old (LOL Not really but I am over 35) and 2) I had WLS. The only thing special is that I am getting monthly growth ultrasounds. I see my regular OB and call them for any questions or problems. I only see the High Risk OB for the ultrasounds.

I hear you...I went to the army clinic (I work for them as a civilian) and my doctor told me "Well you know you are going to be High risk right?" So I said "Because of my surgery?"  She said "Yes and your age"   I almost fell off the table! I am only 32... I think she told me I have dingy old eggs      But I have to realize most of the mothers she sees are in their early 20's--so my first baby at 33 must seem ancient :)    I am not worried though--thanks to the surgery I am so much more healthy than I was just 3 months ago--and I know it is going to get better as time goes on..

Seriously? I was told you are old after 35.