During pregnancy, your heart works harder, your blood volume increases and your entire cardiovascular system adapts to support your growing baby. Because of these changes, heart health during pregnancy is important. Knowing your numbers can make a difference.  

Blood Pressure

Monitoring your blood pressure closely is important in pregnancy. High blood pressure can lead to some serious complications, such as pre-eclampsia and bleeding. This may result in early delivery. You should notify your doctor if your blood pressure is higher than 140/90.

Blood Sugar

Insulin resistance increases in pregnancy, which is why gestational diabetes can develop. Uncontrolled blood sugar can increase long-term risk of cardiovascular disease. With monitoring, nutrition guidance and sometimes medication, gestational diabetes can be managed.

Cholesterol

In pregnancy, cholesterol naturally rises to support hormone production and fetal development. Significantly elevated levels can increase long-term cardiovascular risk. Knowing your pre-pregnancy or postpartum cholesterol levels is important to protect your heart.

Monitoring these numbers helps protect both your pregnancy and your long-term heart health. Supporting your heart during this time is one of the best investments you can make for you and your baby. 

Dr. Damian Delhomme, OB/GYN