From Pregnancy To Parenthood: Managing Cardiovascular Risks For New Moms
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of maternal death in the U.S., or more simply put, heart disease is the No. 1 killer of new moms. It can pose a threat to women’s heart health during pregnancy and later in life, making it important that women understand how to care for themselves and their baby.
Pregnancy adds extra strain on a woman’s heart and blood vessels, which could lead to cardiovascular as well as other health problems.
Pregnancy's metabolic demands — “nature’s stress test” — can expose heart issues that weren't known before. This happens in part because the body is carrying more weight. But changing hormones also play a role.
Ailments that arise during pregnancy may have lasting effects on women’s long-term health.
Pregnancy Can Elevate the Risk of HBP in Women
Some women who have never had high blood pressure develop it while they are pregnant. Preeclampsia is usually characterized by the onset of high blood pressure that is lasting and can lead to various complications. Learn how it affects pregnancies in the U.S and what you can do.Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes occurs in pregnant women who did not have diabetes before they were pregnant. The causes of gestational diabetes are complex. It results from a combination of genetic, health and lifestyle factors, some of which have not been identified. Half of all women who had gestational diabetes develop Type 2 diabetes later in life. Learn about gestational diabetes.Stroke and Pregnancy
A stroke is an uncommon event that occurs blood supply to part of the brain is blocked, or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts. Pregnancy may elevate some women’s stroke risk. Some women may overlook stroke symptoms as routine issues related to pregnancy. Learn about pregnancy and stroke.Peripartum Cardiomyopathy (PPCM)
PPCM is an uncommon form of heart failure that happens during the last month of pregnancy or up to five months after giving birth. Learn about peripartum cardiomyopathy.Congenital Heart Defects
With appropriate medical care and treatment, many women born with heart defects can have a healthy pregnancy. Learn about congenital heart defects.
To learn more about pregnancy and maternal health, visit https://www.goredforwomen.org/en/know-your-risk/pregnancy-and-maternal-health.