Possible Complications During Pregnancy - Excerpt

Introduction about the Pregnancy complications

I knew this was not normal, partly because of the program I was following at the Heart Institute.

For women with preeclampsia. I was in the emergency room, then sent to the stroke clinic, where I was diagnosed with a mini-stroke (TIA). and nonbacterial endocarditis, probably of autoimmune origin. In the months that followed, I often went to the emergency room for pain/pressure. In chest and shortness of breath. I needed to know what was going on, and the Heart Institute admitted me to the hospital for evaluation.

Pregnancy complications

And figure out how to control my pain, which my new cardiologist believes is caused by microvascular spasms. I was given medication to control angina and a cardiac rehab program Helped me a lot in understanding my limits and increasing my endurance. The diagnosis was difficult for my family and me, especially because of all the uncertainty.

It was hard for my two young children to see me leave for the hospital so often. Before my heart event, I had no risk factors other than preeclampsia. I have excellent doctors, but I think it's important to insist when things aren't going well. Trust your instincts, get counseling, and be aware of your risk factors. Many women who have preeclampsia are unaware that they have an increased risk of heart attack and stroke.

Hello everyone! 

Today I had the pleasure of talking with her about some pregnancy complications. And these women have a higher risk of heart disease. I am happy to be here. Christine indicated in her account that she had pre-eclampsia during both of her pregnancies. what is the meaning of this?

Preeclampsia is a disease that is often poorly explained to patients.

So it's very interesting to be able to talk about it. First, preeclampsia or high blood pressure, or high blood pressure during pregnancy are actually very common. There are different forms of hypertension, ranging from simple hypertension, Or what we call gestational hypertension or pre-pregnancy hypertensive women, Preeclampsia, which is high blood pressure associated with damage to other organs,

That is possible damage to the kidneys, and excess protein in the urine, brain, or heart. Then we move on to severe preeclampsia, also known as toxemia. Eclampsia, seizures, or HELLP syndrome. Unfortunately, the most serious cases can be associated with fetal death. Again, this covers a wide range of situations. Christine was one of the groups that had pre-eclampsia.

Are there any long-term effects associated with high blood pressure during pregnancy?

That's a great question, We know that there are short-term effects on mother and baby, for example, longer hospital stays, The baby sometimes ends up in the neonatal intensive care unit with very high blood pressure.

high blood pressure during pregnancy

For several weeks or months after delivery. We now know that some of these changes do not disappear or reappear later. And many of these lead to early heart disease and stroke in women.

We also know that they develop early risk factors for heart disease,

Such as being overweight or obese, having high blood pressure, diabetes or pre-diabetes, and having high cholesterol this is for the first four years after the birth of the child. Pregnancy informs us that these are women. on a health pathway that can lead them to early heart disease.

Are there other pregnancy complications that women should be aware of?

And which can lead to long-term heart risks. Yes, there is. Preeclampsia is often talked about. Because it carries the highest risk of premature heart disease. This refers to heart attacks, including strokes, heart failure, Arrhythmia, or irregular heartbeat. Thus, women with high blood pressure have a 2- to 5-fold increased risk.

Preeclampsia of pregnancy

There is a long list of other problems, but the risks are usually less than twofold. I will explain some about them. Information on diabetes or new-onset diabetes in pregnancy, including prematurity, is when the baby is born before 37 weeks or before 32 weeks, Prematurity is associated with a nearly doubled risk of heart disease. There is also a long list of pregnancy complications. What we now know can increase a woman's risk of heart disease.

What types of treatments are available for high blood pressure problems during pregnancy?

I like this question because I think there is a huge opportunity for prevention. We know that preeclampsia is caused by the placenta not implanting. Not so good in a woman's stomach.

Aspirin, baby aspirin, is thought to help this implantation. Studies show that women taking aspirin have a higher risk of preeclampsia. Early preeclampsia can cut the risk of developing in half. So there is a real possibility of preventing preeclampsia.

Similarly, in women at risk, pre-pregnancy weight loss, Weight maintenance during pregnancy i.e. recommended weight gain, and physical activity - Getting just 150 minutes per week reduces the risk of preeclampsia by nearly 50%. We have these preventive measures that we can implement in early pregnancy or before, Adopt healthy behaviors to try to prevent preeclampsia.

treatment of high blood pressure during pregnancy

However, once the high blood pressure is elevated, it is really important. That the person is being closely monitored by a team of doctors,

For example, obstetricians, or even obstetricians specializing in high-risk Effectively lowering blood pressure during pregnancy depends on the local availability of means. We now know that lowering blood pressure is important and safe, and we have an array of medications. which we can use to safely treat high blood pressure during pregnancy.

It is really important that these women are followed by special teams. Close monitoring of the child in high-risk situations, To make sure he is developing well and to help plan the delivery. However, once preeclampsia begins, it can be quite frustrating for pregnant women. Because we have no other effective treatment Sometimes we have to deliver the baby and the placenta early to prevent the disease from progressing.

What should a woman know if she has one or more of these problems during pregnancy?

First, it is common and not much could have been done to prevent it. I think it is a very good message for people during pregnancy. Because they often start thinking "what could I have done differently" and really, not much. However, it is really important that women are made aware of these future risks. Again, we see more hypertension, pre-diabetes, and obesity in the first four years.

After the baby is born, we really want to get the message across to women. Those who have these pregnancy complications should consult their doctor. Whether it's their primary care team, clinical nurse, or family doctor, To have that conversation about their future risk, to try to individualize that risk Based on their other risk factors, and to start monitoring for high blood pressure problems, Hypercholesterolemia. This can be done annually or every three years with their doctor or care team.

Having this conversation at an early stage to know the risk of these diseases And really start focusing on prevention and a healthy lifelong health journey. And also start talking about her upcoming pregnancy and what can be done. To monitor her and get a better outcome during her next pregnancy. Pregnancy complications and the increased risk of heart disease they represent. glad to! Thanks

We want you to be curious, inquisitive, and motivated about your heart health and wellness. To learn more about specific aspects of heart disease in women And what can you do, Visit "diseases in world" or talk to your healthcare professional.