Importance of Heart Health & Good Nutrition During Pregnancy

Why is heart health important when pregnant?

“Pregnancy increases the stress on your body, and your heart is no exception,” said Kerri Patti-Trepiccione, Catholic Health Clinical Dietitian. “A healthy heart reduces the chances of health complications for you and your growing baby.”

How does pregnancy and childbirth affect my heart?

During pregnancy, your entire body works harder. Your heart, lungs and other organs work overtime to keep up with two growing bodies. The blood in your body increases by as much as 50%. Your heart pumps that extra blood through your body and your baby’s. Additionally, your heart grows during pregnancy to hold that additional blood. Pumping this extra blood strains your heart valves and blood vessels.

Labor and delivery also stress your heart. Blood flow and blood pressure rapidly change as you give birth.

What if I have an existing heart condition?

“If you have a heart condition, your obstetrician and cardiologist will work closely together to monitor you during pregnancy and childbirth,” said Trepiccione.

Pregnancy can potentially worsen a heart condition, so monitoring you ensures continuous checking for heart muscle disorders, such as cardiomyopathy, or other disorders that affect the heart valves. Your doctor may advise you to deliver at a hospital that specializes in high-risk pregnancies.

What heart health concerns are common during pregnancy?

Some people develop pregnancy-induced high blood pressure, known as pre-eclampsia. Other pregnant people experience high blood sugar, otherwise known as gestational diabetes. These conditions usually resolve after delivery, but some studies show these complications can lead to an increased risk of long-term heart disease. While pregnant, your physician or dietitian can help you change your diet to manage these conditions.

How can I keep my heart healthy while pregnant?

“Good nutrition plays a significant role in good heart health,” said Trepiccione.

She noted that getting plenty of rest and staying at a healthy weight during pregnancy is also essential. In addition, moderate exercise approved by your doctor can improve your mood, help lower your blood pressure and help you maintain a healthy weight.

Follow these guidelines to ensure good heart health and overall good health during your pregnancy:

• Attend your scheduled prenatal appointments.
• Avoid smoking, alcohol or recreational drugs.
• Eat a balanced and healthy diet full of low-fat dairy, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains.
• Limit caffeine intake.
• Reduce stress or anxiety as much as possible.
• Stop smoking.
• Take all medications as prescribed.

Why is good nutrition important when pregnant?

“A woman’s nutritional needs increase significantly when pregnant,” said Trepiccione.

Key components of a pregnant woman’s nutritional needs include:

• Folic acid
• Minerals like calcium and iron
• Protein
• Daily caloric intake (increase 300 calories per day for single birth)

Trepiccione explained that when you factor in a cardiovascular issue along with pregnancy, the focus is on restricting some foods that may exacerbate the cardiovascular issue. A mother may need to restrict foods high in sodium or saturated fat to help lower blood pressure or cholesterol. “A healthy heart helps reduce risks and improve the outcome for the mom and baby,” she said.

How can I practice good nutrition when pregnant?

“I recommend to my patients that they create a ‘health vision'— a long-term goal for their overall health,” said Trepiccione. “We also create SMART goals, which are the stepping stones to achieving the health vision.”

SMART stands for:

• Specific
• Measurable
• Attainable
• Realistic
• Time-Specific

An example of a SMART goal is eating three servings of vegetables daily, five days per week.

Trepiccione explained that setting goals using this technique helps you stay on track, be responsible and accountable for your progress, and meet your goals as planned.

In addition to SMART goals, paying attention to food labels and meal planning is essential to maintaining a healthy diet during pregnancy. “Choosing the right foods can help you maintain a healthy weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol,” she said.

What is the Women’s Heart Wellness Program?

Catholic Health's Women's Heart Wellness Program in West Islip, NY, helps women of childbearing age decrease their risk for cardiovascular disease and help maintain their heart health. Our cardiovascular disease specialists focus on women's health. We listen closely and partner with you to decide about lifestyle changes needed for optimal heart health.

In addition to advanced treatment and diagnostic services, the program provides women with the education and tools they need when pregnant to maintain good heart health.

“Our focus on nutrition teaches women how to add heart-healthy foods to their diet to achieve a healthy pregnancy," said Trepiccione. “We work one-on-one to create nutrition and exercise goals while working on meal planning with recipes consistent with their diet requirements. Our goal is to ensure mother and baby are healthy and thriving.” 

Call 833-HRT-BEAT (833-478-2328) for more information.

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