Leading voices from the International American Heart Association emphasize that keeping active at a moderate pace and steering clear of risky habits during pregnancy helps protect a woman’s heart. Medical researchers echo this approach, and MedicalXpress has reported on these findings.
When heart disease is present or develops during pregnancy, both mother and baby face added risks. Preeclampsia is a key concern, presenting as a marked rise in blood pressure, protein in the urine, and signs that kidney and cardiovascular function may be affected. It can appear after the halfway point of pregnancy and links to higher chances of premature birth and longer term effects for both mother and child.
A heart that stays healthy through pregnancy is associated with a newborn whose cardiovascular system functions smoothly after birth. Cardiologist Michel Albert, a former president of the American Heart Association, highlights that a healthy lifestyle during pregnancy matters. He points to balanced nutrition, steady, moderate activity such as walking, and the removal of unhealthy habits as powerful steps to reduce cardiovascular risks for both mother and baby.
Healthcare teams are encouraged to support expectant mothers in adopting healthier life patterns. Through education and consistent care, clinicians can help lower the risk of heart-related issues during pregnancy and support better outcomes for mother and child.
Earlier discussions have noted that high blood pressure during pregnancy can negatively affect heart health, underscoring the need for ongoing attention to maternal cardiovascular wellbeing during the prenatal period. [citation: MedicalXpress]