We all know how important it is to get care for health issues during your pregnancy. But did you know that some pregnancy complications also signal health risks later in life?
Specifically, these six common pregnancy complications are associated with a higher risk for future heart disease:
- High blood pressure (hypertension) during pregnancy
- Gestational diabetes (a kind of diabetes that some get when their bodies can’t make enough insulin or use insulin the right way)
- Preterm delivery (before 37 weeks)
- Delivering a baby that is small for gestational age (SGA)
- Pregnancy loss
- Placental abruption (the placenta detaches from the uterus before birth)
Research indicates that Black, Asian, and Hispanic women are more likely to experience pregnancy complications that increase heart disease risk.
Knowing your risks is powerful
Once you know that your pregnancy complications are also insights into your future health risks, you can take steps now—including getting screenings and making lifestyle changes—to help you stay healthy in the years to come.
How to lower your heart disease risks
If you experienced any of the six pregnancy complications that may signal heart health risks, here are steps you can take to protect your heart:
- Make time for your postpartum care. Talk with your OB/GYN or midwife about your risks, and discuss which screening tests are right for you.
- Share your pregnancy health history with your primary care provider. As you transition from your OB/GYN to your primary care provider for regular wellness checks, make sure to talk about your pregnancy complications. Then, make a plan together to monitor your health and reduce your risks in the years to come. This typically includes screening for high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol.
- If you had gestational diabetes, discuss with your provider if metformin is appropriate for you. Studies have shown that metformin decreases the risk of developing diabetes by about 35%
- Breastfeed, if you can. Studies show that breastfeeding (lactating) may reduce the risk of metabolic disorders and heart disease later.
- Make a few long-term lifestyle changes to nurture your heart. The AHA recommends a heart-healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, healthy proteins, and very few processed foods; 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night; and at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity (or 75 minutes of vigorous physical activity) spread throughout the week.
- If you smoke, discuss options with your provider to help you cut back or quit.
Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team
Sources:
- American Heart Association (AHA). Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes and Cardiovascular Disease Risk: Unique Opportunities for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention in Women: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000961
- American Heart Association (AHA). Six pregnancy complications are among red flags for heart disease later in life. https://newsroom.heart.org/news/six-pregnancy-complications-are-among-red-flags-for-heart-disease-later-in-life
- American Heart Association (AHA). The American Heart Association Diet and Lifestyle Recommendations. https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/nutrition-basics/aha-diet-and-lifestyle-recommendations
- American Heart Association (AHA). Sleep Disorders and Heart Health. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/sleep-disorders/sleep-and-heart-health
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). About women and Heart Disease. https://www.cdc.gov/heart-disease/about/women-and-heart-disease.html?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/women.htm
