Make a Plan

Previous participants of the Her-HEART project have suggested we create a “plan” to put all of this information together. Keep in mind that everyone’s situation is different and this is not medical advice and not every point here will apply to you. Researchers are continuing to study how to lower heart risks in women affected by HDP, so this information is constantly changing and will be updated periodically.

First few weeks/months:

  • Take time to process what happened in your pregnancy, and speak to your doctors and/or mental health provider to better understand what took place.

  • You may need to have blood or urine tests done to ensure that kidney, liver, or other tests that were abnormal during the pregnancy are starting to improve.

  • If you experienced high blood pressure during the pregnancy, your blood pressure will need to be closely followed. Blood pressure medication may need to be reduced and/or stopped over time, with close follow-up with your healthcare providers.

  • Reach out to your doctor/midwife for breastfeeding support if applicable.

  • Talk to your doctor about contraception options that are right for you.

  • Many people experience depression, anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder after pregnancy. This is very common and also treatable. Please reach out to your doctor or a mental health provider to get help.

In the first year:

  • Some people want to start focusing on their long-term health at the 3, 6, 9, or 12 month mark. We recommend taking advantage of this window of opportunity for health changes somewhere between 3-12 months postpartum.

  • Focus on the health behaviour changes that will improve your heart health. Work on small, sustainable changes related to the food you eat, and physical activity you are doing. Check out the “lower your risk” section to learn much more.

  • Speak to your doctor about having blood and urine tests:

    • For cholesterol and lipids

    • Diabetes screening

    • To look for protein in the urine or reduced kidney function

  • Have your blood pressure measured. You may need medication to lower your blood pressure if the readings are consistently >135/85 mm Hg

  • Try and return to your pre-pregnancy weight over time. If you are living with obesity, speak to your doctor about treatment options that might be right for you.

  • People may experience postpartum depression or anxiety in the months following the pregnancy. Please seek help if this applies to you.

Long-term follow up:

We recommend that you see your doctor at least once a year and to discuss your heart health, including diet, exercise and weight management. We also suggest you have tests including:

  • A blood pressure check. If the readings are high in your doctor’s office you may need readings at home or a 24-hour blood pressure monitor.

  • Lab tests to look for diabetes, high cholesterol, or kidney abnormalities.

Plan for future pregnancies (if applicable):

  • Speak to your doctor to better understand your individual risk in future pregnancies. Getting as “heart healthy” as possible prior to the next pregnancy will reduce your risks of having another hypertensive disorder of pregnancy. For some women, weight loss is very important to help lower the risk.

  • If you do become pregnant, aspirin at 12-16 weeks of pregnancy has been shown to reduce the risk of pre-eclampsia early in pregnancy. Speak to your doctor about whether this is right for you.

  • Exercise during pregnancy has been shown to help lower the risk of pre-eclampsia. It is recommended that you start exercising prior to pregnancy.

  • If you want to become pregnant, make sure you are on medications that will be safe for pregnancy.

  • Folic acid is recommended for 3 months prior to conceiving.