If you develop certain complications during pregnancy, you may be at higher risk of developing heart disease later in life.

Some of these conditions include gestational diabetes and gestational hypertension, which occur in mothers who have not previously been diagnosed with diabetes or hypertension (hypertension).

Both symptoms tend to go away after the baby is born, but not before, providing a kind of early warning of future heart problems.

pregnancy stress test

In some ways, pregnancy is the ultimate challenge for a woman’s body, serving as one of the most natural and unintentional cardiac stress tests you’ll experience in your life.

During that time, your blood volume increases by up to 50%, and your heart works longer to keep up with hormonal and physical changes. Your heart rate increases to accommodate the extra work, and it increases even more during labor.

Your body is designed to handle these stresses. However, if you have underlying cardiac risk factors, those risk factors can be greatly amplified during this time. Basically, this is a glimpse into your heart’s future and could even cause heart problems during pregnancy.

pregnancy complications

In 2021, the American Heart Association listed pregnancy-related complications that can lead to heart disease later in life. This was part of an effort to encourage new mothers to take care of their own health after giving birth.

Complications include:

• Pregnancy hypertension: Gestational hypertension occurs when a woman who has not previously been diagnosed with high blood pressure has a reading of 140/90 or higher after 20 weeks of pregnancy. This condition increases the risk of heart disease by 67 percent and the risk of stroke by 83 percent.
• gestational diabetes: This condition occurs in 7% to 9% of pregnancies, usually around the 24th week. This occurs when the body cannot produce enough insulin to control blood sugar levels. Increases risk of heart disease by 68%. It also significantly increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, a risk factor for heart disease.
• preeclampsia: This complication occurs when high blood pressure develops during pregnancy and organs such as the kidneys and liver show signs of damage. This dangerous condition can double the risk of heart disease later on and is characterized by protein in the urine and swelling of the legs, feet, hands, and fingers after 20 days. week.

Follow-up care is important

Once you’re home with your baby, it’s easy to forget about your health because everything in the world is focused on your new life. However, if you have experienced any of these complications, it is important to follow up with your primary care physician and, if necessary, a cardiologist.

The sooner you start seeing a doctor, the more likely you are to reduce your increased risk. One way she approaches this is to quickly schedule her six-week follow-up visit with her primary care physician in addition to her postpartum obstetrician visit. Make an appointment after giving birth.

This is especially difficult for young mothers, who tend to downplay their own health risks. In many cases, there may not even be a primary care physician. But once your first baby is born, your body changes and so does your risk profile.

It’s also important to look at changes to your diet and lifestyle if you know your risk for heart disease is increased.

• diet: Focus on fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and healthier protein sources. This includes nuts, fish, seafood, and lean meats and poultry. Avoid processed foods, reduce your sugar intake, and avoid salty foods. Also, limit or avoid alcohol.
• Lifestyle: One of the most important things you can do is be proactive. Try to do at least 150 minutes a week of some type of moderate physical activity. That might be swimming, biking, or brisk walking. You don’t need to run a marathon, but you do need to get your heart rate up. A good strategy is to find a friend or family member to join you. Doing so will help each other keep it going.