During pregnancy, the body undergoes numerous changes that can impact heart health. It’s essential to know about the following aspects of heart health during pregnancy:

1. Increased Blood Volume: During pregnancy, the body produces more blood to support the growing baby.

2. Gestational Hypertension: Gestational hypertension is a type of high blood pressure that can occur during pregnancy. It usually develops after the 20th week of pregnancy and typically resolves after delivery.

3. Pre-eclampsia: Pre-eclampsia is a serious complication that can develop during pregnancy and can cause high blood pressure, protein in the urine, and other symptoms.

4. Gestational Diabetes: Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy.

5. Physical Activity: Regular physical activity is important during pregnancy for maintaining heart health.

6. Medications: Some medications commonly used during pregnancy can affect heart health, so it’s essential to talk to your doctor about any medications you are taking and any potential risks.

7. Postpartum Recovery: After delivery, it’s important to continue to take care of your heart health. Women who develop gestational hypertension or gestational diabetes have an increased risk of developing heart disease later in life, so it’s important to monitor your heart health and make any necessary lifestyle changes.

It’s important to work closely with your healthcare provider throughout pregnancy to monitor and manage any potential heart health concerns.

What You Can Do to Improve Heart Health When Pregnant?

Maintaining good heart health is important during pregnancy as it not only benefits the mother but also ensures the healthy growth and development of the baby. Here are some tips for improving heart health during pregnancy:

1. Get regular prenatal care: Regular prenatal care is essential to monitor your health and your baby’s health. Your doctor will monitor your blood pressure, weight, and other vital signs to ensure that everything is normal.

2. Follow a healthy diet: Eat a balanced and nutritious diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and low in processed and high-fat foods.

3. Exercise regularly: Exercise can help improve your heart health and keep your weight in check.

4. Manage stress: Stress can put a strain on your heart, so it’s important to find ways to manage it.

5. Avoid smoking and alcohol: Smoking and alcohol can increase the risk of heart disease and other health problems for both the mother and baby.

6. Monitor your blood pressure: High blood pressure can put a strain on your heart and increase the risk of complications during pregnancy.

7. Get enough sleep: Getting enough sleep is important for your heart health and overall well-being.

Remember, always consult with your doctor before starting any new exercise routine or making significant changes to your diet during pregnancy.

What Can Hurt Your Heart Health When Pregnant?

Several factors can hurt your heart health during pregnancy. Here are some of the things that you should avoid during pregnancy to maintain your heart health:

1. Smoking: Smoking is harmful to your heart health and can cause serious complications during pregnancy.

2. Excessive Weight Gain: Excessive weight gain during pregnancy can put extra strain on your heart, increase the risk of gestational diabetes, and lead to complications during delivery.

3. Poor Diet: A poor diet that’s high in saturated and trans fats, sugar, and salt can increase the risk of heart disease and other health problems.

4. Sedentary Lifestyle: A sedentary lifestyle can lead to weight gain and increase the risk of heart disease. Regular physical activity is essential during pregnancy for maintaining heart health and reducing the risk of complications.

5. Stress: High levels of stress can increase the risk of high blood pressure and other heart problems during pregnancy.

6. Certain Medications: Some medications used during pregnancy can affect heart health and increase the risk of complications.

It’s important to work with your healthcare provider to identify and manage any potential risk factors for heart disease during pregnancy. By avoiding these harmful factors and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, you can help ensure a healthy pregnancy and reduce the risk of complications.

Author Bio: Written by Taylor McKnight, Author of HOTWORX