(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- Undergoing bariatric weight loss surgery before becoming pregnant may be the healthiest decision for both mother and baby.

According to a new study, obese women who had weight loss surgery and lost weight before pregnancy showed significantly lower rates of gestational diabetes and high blood pressure compared to obese women who did not have the surgery. Their babies also reaped the benefits; they were less likely to be born prematurely, be born underweight or be born overweight than babies born to obese mothers.

"Obese women who undergo bariatric survey and lose weight prior to becoming pregnant may improve their own health, as well as their children's health," lead author Melinda A. Maggard, M.D., a surgeon at UCLA, was quoted as saying. "Further research is needed, but the results seen thus far are positive."

Some complications can occur during pregnancy following bariatric weight loss surgery. The most common of these is an internal hernia that causes intestinal problems. Many doctors recommend women forgo pregnancy for one year following surgery, which is also the time when most weight loss occurs.

SOURCE: The Journal of the American Medical Association, 2008

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