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Heart Health In Women After Pregnancy: Why Pre-Eclampsia And Gestational Complications Matter Years Later

For every woman pregnancy is a beautiful and dream journey, but from the perspective of heart-health , it acts as a “natural stress test” for the body. The best part is most women recover completely after childbirth. However, certain complications such as <span>preeclampsia</span>, high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, preterm delivery, or poor fetal growth can sometimes be early warning signs of future cardiovascular risk.

As a cardiologist, I want women to know that preeclampsia does not simply end when pregnancy ends. It can signal a higher risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease and stroke later in life. Gestational diabetes also increases future cardiometabolic risk.

This does not mean you will develop heart disease. It means you have an opportunity to be proactive.

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/parenting/maternal-immunisation-the-forgotten-half-of-protecting-a-babys-health-article-156394188" data-type="tilCustomLink">Maternal Immunisation: The Forgotten Half of Protecting a Baby's Health</a>

<h2>What should be your postpartum action plan?</h2>

1. Check your blood pressure regularly, especially after preeclampsia or gestational hypertension.

2. Check blood sugar after gestational diabetes and continue recommended long-term screening.

3. Know your numbers: monitor cholesterol, weight and other cardiovascular risk factors.

4. Rebuild healthy habits: gradually return to regular exercise, eat a heart-healthy diet, avoid smoking and prioritise sleep.

5. Tell your doctor your pregnancy history—it is an important part of your lifelong heart history.

Your pregnancy may be over, but not your heart health journey, it continues for life time. Early awareness gives you the power to prevent problems before they begin.

<strong><em>By Dr. Sunil Kumar Mandal, MBBS, MD , DM (Cardiology), Senior Consultant Interventional Cardiologist</em></strong>

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For every woman pregnancy is a beautiful and dream journey, but from the perspective of heart-health , it acts as a “natural stress test” for the body. The best part is most women recover completely after childbirth. However, certain complications such as preeclampsia, high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, preterm delivery, or poor fetal growth can sometimes be early warning signs of future cardiovascular risk.As a cardiologist, I want women to know that preeclampsia does not simply end when pregnancy ends. It can signal a higher risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease and stroke later in life. Gestational diabetes also increases future cardiometabolic risk.This does not mean you will develop heart disease. It means you have an opportunity to be proactive.Also read: Maternal Immunisation: The Forgotten Half of Protecting a Baby's HealthWhat should be your postpartum action plan?1. Check your blood pressure regularly, especially after preeclampsia or gestational hypertension.2. Check blood sugar after gestational diabetes and continue recommended long-term screening.3. Know your numbers: monitor cholesterol, weight and other cardiovascular risk factors.4. Rebuild healthy habits: gradually return to regular exercise, eat a heart-healthy diet, avoid smoking and prioritise sleep.5. Tell your doctor your pregnancy history—it is an important part of your lifelong heart history.Your pregnancy may be over, but not your heart health journey, it continues for life time. Early awareness gives you the power to prevent problems before they begin.By Dr. Sunil Kumar Mandal, MBBS, MD , DM (Cardiology), Senior Consultant Interventional Cardiologist

heart health in women after pregnancy: why pre-eclampsia and gestational complications matter years later

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Heart Health In Women After Pregnancy: Why Pre-Eclampsia And Gestational Complications Matter Years Later

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