At Midwest Women Obstetrician/Gynecologist Ltd, we provide expert prenatal care, taking a whole-person approach to pregnancy that focuses on your well-being and that of your baby.

Heart health is an integral part of that, and we’re here for personalized support in every stage of pregnancy. With more than four decades serving women in the Downers Grove, Illinois, area, our practice has an exemplary record of patient-first care — including both you and your little one. 

In today’s blog, we’re delving into heart health during pregnancy, why it’s important, and how you can promote it. 

How the heart changes during pregnancy

Pregnancy puts added strain on your cardiovascular system. Your heart pumps more blood, with blood volume rising by 45%. 

Your heart rate can also increase significantly. The average prepregnancy resting heart rate is around 70 beats per minute (BPM,) but reaches up to 90 BPM during pregnancy. 

In addition, your shifting hormones — especially rising estrogen and progesterone — can affect cardiovascular function. As hormones surge, your blood vessels widen, leading to lower blood pressure, increased blood volume, and a faster heartbeat. As your heart works harder to support your growing baby, you could notice a racing heart or palpitations at times.

Common heart concerns during pregnancy

We monitor heart health for all our prenatal patients, and most women with healthy hearts have no issues during pregnancy. However, if you have previous heart problems or develop certain symptoms, our team monitors you particularly closely for potential problems.

Some heart problems that could occur are:

• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Preeclampsia (a pregnancy-related blood pressure disorder)
• Gestational diabetes (which can affect heart health)
• Irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias)
• Increased risk of blood clots

Starting prenatal care early in your pregnancy helps us take control of your heart health and minimize the risk of any potential issues.

Keeping your heart healthy during pregnancy

Our team gives you comprehensive support to maintain good heart health during pregnancy. Here are some great ways to promote heart health during pregnancy: 

• Prenatal appointments to monitor your heart and blood pressure
• A well-rounded diet containing whole grains and lean proteins 
• Stay active with gentle low-impact exercises like walking
• Manage stress through relaxation techniques like deep breathing
• Stay hydrated to support good circulation 

We also provide important education during your prenatal visits, including explaining the potential signs of heart complications during pregnancy. Problems like severe swelling, dizziness, or chest pain, especially in combination, require prompt care.

Healthy heart, healthy baby, healthy you

Want to learn more about how to protect your heart health and have the healthiest pregnancy possible? Call Midwest Women Obstetrician/Gynecologist Ltd at 630-852-3762 to schedule an appointment in Downers Grove, Illinois.