Anyone that develops a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy is also at an increased risk of developing high blood pressure and heart disease in the future. This includes events like having a heart attack, stroke, or even death from cardiovascular causes. This is one of the reasons attending a postpartum visit is very important. Some things a postpartum provider might discuss include: blood pressure monitoring and medications, lab or imaging tests, lifestyle changes including diet, physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, tobacco use, and mental health. Resources for these topics can also be found below.
Diet
Eating a heart healthy diet, like the Diet Approach to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, has been shown to be helpful in reducing blood pressure. This resource includes tips for gradual change, serving size guidelines, and recipes: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/education/dash-eating-plan.
Physical activity
Regular movement, like walking, stretching, or gentle cardio, improves energy, blood pressure, and heart health. Muscle strengthening is also important for women’s health. Start small and build up gradually. It is recommended to do at least 30 minutes of moderate activity 5 times a week. Some suggestions for postpartum safe movement can be found here: https://www.nwh.org/maternity-guide/postpartum-guide/postpartum-chapter-2/exercise-after-delivery.
Making changes in routines can be difficult. Some tips for making changes manageable can be found here: https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/changes-you-can-make-to-manage-high-blood-pressure/getting-active-to-control-high-blood-pressure
Healthy weight
Reaching and maintaining a healthy weight after pregnancy can support heart and blood pressure recovery. Even small changes make a big difference over time. Talk with a provider to make a health goal and safe plan for weight management. Some general suggestions and guidelines can be found at: https://www.healthpartners.com/blog/postpartum-weight-loss/
Tobacco use
Tobacco use directly causes narrowing or even blockage of blood vessels, which increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. This is in addition to the other known harms of tobacco use including the increased risk of cancer. Nicotine is highly addictive and quitting is hard. There are many free resources available for quitting, such as the SmokefreeMOM text support program or the 1-800-QuitNow (800-784-8669) phone support line.
Mental Health
Taking care of emotional well-being is just as important as physical health. It is very important to alert health care providers right away if something does not feel right. Many supportive resources are available to anyone looking for help.
The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline is a free and confidential helpline. It is available in English or Spanish, 24/7 by text or phone call to 1-833-TLC-MAMA (877-852-6262).
Free weekly online virtual support groups are available for many specialized topics at https://postpartum.net/get-help/psi-online-support-meetings/
A coping tool for creating a personalized support strategy can be found at: https://s3.amazonaws.com/kajabi-storefronts-production/file-uploads/sites/2147680530/themes/2159875209/downloads/e00a84f-cc8-fb5f-6ce1-eef7e27ba7_SUD_Coping_Mechanisms_Menu.pdf
Postpartum depression is a common and treatable condition, and should be taken seriously. More information about what postpartum depression looks like can be found at: https://www.marchofdimes.org/sites/default/files/2023-07/MOD_PostpartumDepression_OnePager_v09_FINAL.pdf