By Amber Roman
Apr 16, 2024, 1:39 PM EDT
A new study published in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine reveals that complications during pregnancy, such as gestational diabetes or preeclampsia, may be linked to an increased risk of death even decades after giving birth.
Researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston and Lund University in Malmö, Sweden, analyzed data from more than 2 million women who gave birth in Sweden between 1973 and 2015.
The study found that women who experienced major complications during pregnancy had a significantly elevated risk of premature death, and this risk persisted for more than 40 years. Dr. Casey Crump, lead author of the study and professor in the department of family medicine and community health at UTHealth Houston, explained that adverse pregnancy outcomes can trigger subtle physiological changes that persist or progress after childbirth, increasing the risk of pregnancy problems. long term health.
The study identified five major pregnancy complications: gestational diabetes, preterm birth, low birth weight, preeclampsia and high blood pressure-related disorders. These complications were found to be independently associated with an increased risk of future mortality. Additionally, women who experienced multiple complications were at even higher risk.
Dr. Ashley Roman, vice president of clinical affairs and chief of obstetrics at NYU Langone Health, commented that pregnancy can reveal predispositions to future diseases and highlighted the importance of identifying high-risk women and providing them with early interventions to protect their health. long term.
The risk of mortality associated with pregnancy complications is not limited to a specific cause. The study found that women who experienced these complications had a higher risk of dying from cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases, diabetes and cancer. This suggests that there are multiple underlying pathways that require further investigation.
The study findings reinforce the importance of including a history of pregnancy complications in a woman’s overall medical history. Dr. Joanne Stone, professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, emphasized the need for doctors to pay attention to this medical history to provide appropriate early detection and preventive care.
While the study did not specifically address factors such as diet and exercise, it is recognized that a healthy lifestyle can reduce the risk of complications during pregnancy. Controlling weight, maintaining a balanced diet, not smoking and limiting alcohol consumption are important measures to improve maternal health and reduce the risk of complications during and after pregnancy.
In summary, this study highlights the importance of addressing pregnancy complications not only during pregnancy, but also throughout a woman’s life. Identifying and managing these risks can have a significant impact on the long-term health of both mothers and their children.
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