Pro-active Management of Women’s Health after Cardiometabolic Complicated Pregnancies

Women with a history of cardiometabolic complicated pregnancy are at increased risk for future disease. The experience of having had a complicated pregnancy might open up a window of opportunity to guide these women to a healthier future. The general aim of the thesis is to develop and evaluate a postpartum program appraising cardiovascular health and offering lifestyle intervention after complicated pregnancy to reduce future cardiovascular risks.

An overview of the literature on postpartum intervention strategies is provided and the effect of lifestyle intervention on the risk of cardiovascular disease is estimated. Focusgroup studies provide women’s preferences for postpartum lifestyle counseling and their motivators and barriers to the adoption of a healthier lifestyle. Finally, the pro-active study shows that lifestyle intervention after cardiometabolic complicated pregnancy is feasible and is effective in improving cardiovascular risk factors.