Health

The link between preterm birth and cardiovascular risks in mothers

Preterm birth is not only a risk factor for adverse outcomes in newborns but also a risk factor for the long-term health of mothers. Recent studies have shown that women who give birth preterm may have an increased risk of developing cardiovascular diseases later in life by warrenstevenson
Estimated reading time: 2 min 45 sec
The link between preterm birth and cardiovascular risks in mothers Photo by Danne on Pexels

Preterm birth, or the delivery of a baby before 37 weeks of gestation, is a major public health concern. It is a leading cause of neonatal mortality and morbidity, and it affects 1 in 10 pregnancies globally.

However, preterm birth is not only a risk factor for adverse outcomes in newborns but also a risk factor for the long-term health of mothers. Recent studies have shown that women who give birth preterm may have an increased risk of developing cardiovascular diseases later in life.

What is Cardiovascular Disease?

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) refers to a group of conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels. It includes diseases such as coronary artery disease, heart failure, stroke, and peripheral artery disease.

CVD is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide and is responsible for 31% of all deaths globally.

The Link Between Preterm Birth and Cardiovascular Risks

According to a growing body of research, women who give birth preterm may face a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease later in life.

A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that women who gave birth preterm had a 40% higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease than women who gave birth at full term. This risk persisted even after adjusting for other risk factors such as age, smoking status, and hypertension.

Another study published in the journal Circulation found that women who delivered preterm had higher rates of hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia, which are all risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

The study also found that the risk of developing cardiovascular disease was higher in women who had more than one preterm delivery.

Possible Mechanisms

Several mechanisms may explain the link between preterm birth and cardiovascular risks in mothers. One possible explanation is that preterm birth may cause changes in the maternal cardiovascular system that persist long after delivery.

Related Article Preterm birth and future cardiovascular diseases risk to mothers Preterm birth and future cardiovascular diseases risk to mothers

For example, preterm birth may lead to endothelial dysfunction, which is a precursor to atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular diseases. It may also cause changes in cardiac structure and function.

Another possible mechanism is that preterm birth may be a marker for underlying maternal health conditions that increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.

For example, women who give birth preterm may be more likely to have hypertension, diabetes, and obesity, which are all risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

Prevention and Management

Preventing preterm birth is critical not only in improving neonatal health outcomes but also in reducing maternal long-term health risks.

Pregnant women can reduce their risk of preterm birth by getting early and regular prenatal care, avoiding substance use and tobacco exposure, and managing chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes.

For women who have had a preterm delivery, it is important to assess their cardiovascular risk and manage any underlying health conditions.

This may include monitoring blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels, and addressing lifestyle factors such as smoking and diet.

Conclusion

Preterm birth is a significant public health issue that affects both neonatal and maternal health.

Women who give birth preterm may face a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease later in life, and this risk may persist even after adjusting for other risk factors. Understanding the link between preterm birth and cardiovascular risks is critical in improving maternal health outcomes and reducing the burden of cardiovascular disease worldwide.

Disclaimer: This article serves as general information and should not be considered medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance. Individual circumstances may vary.

Follow us on Google News

Stay informed on the latest news and trends in the healthcare industry.

Follow
Also check 70% of those diagnosed in time survive stomach cancer 70% of those diagnosed in time survive stomach cancer The link between diabetes and pregnancy complications The link between diabetes and pregnancy complications Risk factors for maternal mortality during pregnancy Risk factors for maternal mortality during pregnancy Do you tire easily? Know your risk for heart disease and stroke Do you tire easily? Know your risk for heart disease and stroke Is Bacon a Major Contributor to Bowel Cancer? Is Bacon a Major Contributor to Bowel Cancer? How a specific body point can indicate heart attack risk a year in advance How a specific body point can indicate heart attack risk a year in advance How likely is depression in 15-year-olds? This tool will tell you How likely is depression in 15-year-olds? This tool will tell you Does Sugar Increase the Risk of Dementia? Does Sugar Increase the Risk of Dementia? Examining the Fundamental Differences between Male and Female Heart Attacks Examining the Fundamental Differences between Male and Female Heart Attacks Female-specific risk factors for asthma Female-specific risk factors for asthma The link between stretch marks and cancer The link between stretch marks and cancer The Link Between Diabetes and Kidney Disease: Symptoms & Risk Factors The Link Between Diabetes and Kidney Disease: Symptoms & Risk Factors No Evidence Found for Vitamin’s Heart Health Benefits No Evidence Found for Vitamin’s Heart Health Benefits Risk of thrombosis remains high after coronary infection Risk of thrombosis remains high after coronary infection Minimizing the Risk of Osteoporosis: Factors to Consider Minimizing the Risk of Osteoporosis: Factors to Consider World Heart Day: The Importance of Recognizing Heart Disease Symptoms World Heart Day: The Importance of Recognizing Heart Disease Symptoms Every year, osteoporosis claims the lives of many older adults. Every year, osteoporosis claims the lives of many older adults. Research findings show possible connection between birth control pills and breast cancer Research findings show possible connection between birth control pills and breast cancer The Anonymous Hazard That Puts Our Hearts at Risk The Anonymous Hazard That Puts Our Hearts at Risk Is Your Teenager at Risk for Type 2 Diabetes? Is Your Teenager at Risk for Type 2 Diabetes? The correlation between walking pace and stroke and heart attack The correlation between walking pace and stroke and heart attack Understanding health insurance for expectant mothers Understanding health insurance for expectant mothers Exploring the Connection Between Diabetes and Risk Factors Exploring the Connection Between Diabetes and Risk Factors Uric acid and its impact on health Uric acid and its impact on health High birth weight and cardiovascular health in later life High birth weight and cardiovascular health in later life Groundbreaking Anti-Aging Tonic – Prevents 3 Life-Threatening Diseases Groundbreaking Anti-Aging Tonic – Prevents 3 Life-Threatening Diseases Measuring Size Reveals Crucial Information about Heart Disease in Men Measuring Size Reveals Crucial Information about Heart Disease in Men Blood type and erectile dysfunction risk: What’s the link? Blood type and erectile dysfunction risk: What’s the link? Can these 5 questions predict Alzheimer’s? Can these 5 questions predict Alzheimer’s?
To top