Women who experience high blood pressure during pregnancy face ongoing heart health risks that lifestyle changes alone can’t fully address. A recent study, published in The Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology & Women’s Health, highlights this concern.
Led by Professor Amanda Henry from The George Institute for Global Health, the study involved 525 women who had hypertensive disorders during pregnancy, a condition affecting about 5-10% of pregnancies in Australia. While some participants in the intervention groups showed improvements in weight loss, most did not see a significant change in their blood pressure within a year after giving birth.
The study explored three options for postpartum care: standard care, a single educational visit, and a six-month lifestyle program via phone. Despite the support, around 60% of women still had at least two cardiovascular risk factors after one year. This suggests that the current approaches are not enough.
Professor Henry points out that new mothers often struggle to make major lifestyle changes due to the demands of parenting and fatigue. “Structured programs helped some women, but we need more than just advice,” she says. This highlights the need for better postpartum care that combines lifestyle support with medical monitoring.
Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, including preeclampsia, can lead to severe complications for both mothers and babies. After pregnancy, women who have had these disorders face a higher risk of developing chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and kidney problems. Research shows that even a single episode of preeclampsia significantly increases a woman’s lifetime risk of heart disease.
Yet, postpartum care for these women is often lacking. Current guidelines mainly come from studies involving older male populations and may not fit the unique needs of new mothers. Early monitoring, better follow-up care, and potential medication are essential to protect women’s heart health after pregnancy.
Understanding the long-term implications, many health experts advocate for a proactive approach to postpartum care. By integrating cardiovascular screening into regular postnatal visits, the chances of improving outcomes and reducing heart disease risks can increase.
In summary, while lifestyle changes are helpful, they aren’t enough alone. Women who’ve faced hypertensive disorders during pregnancy need comprehensive support that includes both education and medical care tailored to their needs.
