Pregnancy and impending parenthood can make your heart skip a beat or two. It can make your heart sing or tear at your heartstrings. But how does pregnancy affect your heart health? And how can you protect yourself, and your baby, from heart problems now and in the future?
Beating for two
Your cardiovascular system undergoes substantial changes during pregnancy to support your growing baby. Blood volume increases by 30 to 50%, requiring your heart to pump more blood to meet your increased circulation needs. According to the National Institutes of Health, these changes are necessary for fetal development, but they can also expose underlying heart conditions — or create new cardiovascular challenges.
Pregnancy-related heart problems can happen to anyone, but your risk increases if you have an existing heart condition and/or:
- Are age 40 or older
- Are American Indian, African American, or Alaska Native
- Aren’t physically active
- Are overweight or obese
- Drink alcohol
- Have heart problems
- Smoke
- Use illegal drugs
Hypertension and preeclampsia
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is one of the most significant heart-related risks during pregnancy. It can lead to gestational hypertension and preeclampsia — serious health conditions that may cause several complications, including premature birth, placental abruption and, in severe cases, maternal and fetal death.
When you’re pregnant, your blood supply increases to promote your baby’s growth and development. If your blood pressure gets too high, it puts extra stress on your kidneys and heart, boosting your risk of heart disease, kidney disease and stroke. High blood pressure during pregnancy can also put you at greater risk of preterm or cesarean birth or placental abruption.
Preeclampsia is a type of high blood pressure that only happens during pregnancy. And according to the American Heart Association, it affects about 5% to 8% of all pregnancies in the United States.
People who experience preeclampsia are at higher risk for future cardiovascular diseases, including chronic hypertension and heart disease.
Gestational diabetes
Gestational diabetes develops only during pregnancy, too. Because the condition causes spikes in your blood pressure, it increases your risk of cardiovascular problems both during — and even after — pregnancy.
If you have gestational diabetes, you’re also more likely to develop preeclampsia during your pregnancy, and type 2 diabetes in the future.
Peripartum cardiomyopathy
Peripartum cardiomyopathy, which weakens your heart muscle and prevents it from pumping blood effectively, affects about 1 in 1,000 to 1 in 4,000 pregnancies in the United States, according to the National Institutes of Health. It can develop during your final month of pregnancy, or within five months after you give birth.
Symptoms of peripartum cardiomyopathy can be mistaken for typical pregnancy symptoms. These symptoms include:
- Excessive fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Swollen legs
Tips for a heart-healthy pregnancy
At HCA Florida Healthcare we are here to help you navigate your pregnancy safely and reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease both now and after childbirth.
We recommend protecting your heart health with these tips from the experts at The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute:
- Adopt or continue a heart-healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet, regular physical activity, no smoking and moderate or no alcohol consumption.
- Be aware of the possibility of cardiovascular issues when you’re pregnant and seek medical advice if any concerning symptoms arise.
- Go for regular prenatal check-ups to monitor your blood pressure, blood sugar and overall cardiovascular health.
- Manage your stress through techniques such as mindfulness, yoga and getting enough sleep.
Of course, your pregnancy care team is always the right place to start if you have any questions. From ideas that will boost your overall health to helping you pinpoint the cause of concerning symptoms, we’ll be with you every step of the way.
Need pregnancy care close to home?
Our OB/GYNs and midwives can answer all your questions — from prenatal vitamins to labor and delivery care. We also have classes and events to help you prepare for birth and after delivery.
As one of the largest healthcare providers in the state, our extensive network is home to everyone from OB/GYNs and midwives to high-risk pregnancy doctors and neonatologists. Find an OB/GYN.
