This archive report was first published on 17 October 2019.
According to a recent study published in the American Heart Association Journal, pregnancy complications can have long-lasting effects on a woman's health.
Researchers found that women who experienced preterm births and pre-eclampsia during their first pregnancy were nearly twice as likely to develop high blood pressure later in life, some as quickly as three years after delivery.
Dr. David Haas, lead author of the study and professor of obstetrics and gynaecology at Indiana University School of Medicine, noted that the findings underscore the need for doctors to focus more aggressively on knowing the health histories of women during pregnancy to help prevent complications.
Close monitoring is also recommended afterwards for those that suffered from pre-eclampsia or stillbirth to reduce their risk of developing hypertension in the future.
Health experts recommend that women strive to be in good health and avoid excess weight before conception, attend all prenatal visits, and ensure that they are aware of women at risk of pre-eclampsia.
Early delivery is often recommended for such mothers to prevent health complications that can harm the mother and child.
Doctors may also recommend a daily low dose of aspirin for women with pre-eclampsia risk factors, calcium supplements for women with calcium deficiency, and stress reduction during pregnancy to prevent stillbirths.
