Cardiovascular impact on the mother and offspring

Abstract

This period extends from birth until 90 days postpartum, continuing into the first year postpartum, and throughout life. The first year is the critical period in which the persistence of pathologies that manifested during the physiological stress of pregnancy identifies women with a higher risk of future metabolic and cardiovascular problems.

Events occurring during pregnancy, such as gestational hypertension, gestational diabetes mellitus (DM), preterm birth, intrauterine growth restriction, placental abruption, and pregnancy loss, not to mention excessive weight gain, are epidemiologically associated with medium- and long-term cardiovascular and metabolic risks.

Several studies have demonstrated a higher risk of microvascular and macrovascular disease in women who develop type 2 diabetes (T2D) and have a history of gestational diabetes or other adverse events during pregnancy.

Although the risk is present throughout life, early detection, appropriate treatment, reinforcing lifestyle changes and promoting breastfeeding could modify this risk, thus presenting an opportunity for cardiovascular prevention.