Pregnancy changes a woman’s body in remarkable ways, but one of the most surprising shifts happens where most people least expect it — in the heart. While many women think of the postpartum period as sleepless nights, new routines, and emotional adjustment, few realize that the heart continues working overtime long after delivery day.
At Colorado Springs Cardiology, we work with many women who don’t realize that pregnancy is one of the most significant cardiovascular stress events of their lives. And because the postpartum period is so busy, women often overlook symptoms that deserve attention or delay getting preventive care that could make a meaningful difference for their long-term heart health.
This guide takes a deeper look at how pregnancy affects the heart, what risks can appear after childbirth, and the steps women can take to protect their cardiovascular health for years to come.
Pregnancy dramatically increases the workload on the cardiovascular system. Blood volume rises by almost 50%, the heart rate climbs, and the heart pumps harder to supply oxygen to both mother and baby. For most women, these changes are temporary and resolve gradually.
But for others, pregnancy exposes underlying vulnerabilities.
According to cardiology researchers with the American Heart Association, pregnancy complications like gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, or gestational diabetes are now considered early indicators of a woman’s future cardiovascular risk. In other words, the heart may be revealing clues about long-term health years before symptoms appear.
Pregnancy isn’t just a chapter of life — it’s a window into how a woman’s heart might function later.
Many women assume that after delivery, everything “goes back to normal.” But physiologically, the postpartum period is one of the most demanding times for the heart.
The body recalibrates. Hormone levels drop sharply. Sleep becomes scarce. Stress rises. And blood pressure can fluctuate dramatically.
For some women, this is where underlying heart issues emerge.
Below are the most common postpartum cardiovascular concerns and why they’re important to understand.
Some women experience new-onset high blood pressure after childbirth, even if their pregnancy was normal. This condition tends to appear within days to weeks after delivery and can be dangerous if left untreated.
Symptoms to watch for include:
Postpartum hypertension can be temporary, but it can also increase long-term cardiovascular risk. Consistent monitoring is essential.
Preeclampsia doesn’t always end with delivery. A subset of women develop postpartum preeclampsia, sometimes days or even weeks after leaving the hospital.
Studies published in the journal Hypertension show that women with a history of preeclampsia are two to four times more likely to develop chronic hypertension and heart disease later in life. This makes postpartum follow-up critical, even after symptoms resolve.
Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a weakening of the heart muscle that can appear late in pregnancy or up to five months postpartum. The challenge is that many of the symptoms resemble normal postpartum fatigue.
Women may dismiss signs like:
But PPCM is serious, and early detection dramatically improves outcomes.
According to researchers with the National Institute of Health, women who receive treatment early in the disease often recover full heart function, reinforcing how important it is not to ignore persistent symptoms.
Pregnancy complications aren’t just short-term concerns. Complications such as preeclampsia, preterm birth, low birth weight, and gestational diabetes all correlate with a higher risk of heart disease, stroke, and heart failure over time.
This doesn’t mean heart disease is inevitable, but it does mean women who experienced complications should take cardiovascular screening more seriously in the years ahead. Pregnancy reveals vulnerabilities; preventive care helps address them early.
The postpartum period comes with intense emotional, physical, and mental demands. Hormonal fluctuations combined with exhaustion can amplify stress hormones like cortisol.
Elevated cortisol is linked to:
It’s one of the reasons new mothers who feel “off” often benefit from a simple heart health evaluation — even if their pregnancy seemed uneventful.
Every woman’s postpartum experience looks different. But certain symptoms should never be ignored or dismissed as “just part of motherhood.”
Seek medical attention promptly if you notice:
You may be adjusting to a new routine, but your heart shouldn’t be struggling to keep up.
No one expects perfect sleep with a newborn. But even short naps lower cortisol and help regulate heart rate and blood pressure.
Walking is one of the simplest, safest postpartum exercises. Over time, incorporating stretching, light strength training, and low-impact cardio strengthens the heart without strain.
Your heart benefits from nutrient-rich foods like:
Balanced meals help stabilize energy and reduce inflammation.
Deep breathing, a short walk, time outdoors, or asking for help from family or friends can noticeably lower stress load and ease cardiovascular strain.
A simple at-home cuff can catch early warning signs long before symptoms appear.
Postpartum heart screenings are especially important for women who experienced complications. And annual cardiology evaluations create a baseline that can help detect changes sooner.
Many women don’t realize that pregnancy history is now considered a standard part of heart disease risk assessment.
Cardiologists today review a woman’s obstetric history the same way they review family history, cholesterol levels, or blood pressure. That’s because the research is clear: complications during pregnancy reflect how a woman’s blood vessels and heart respond to stress.
Women with a history of preeclampsia experience cardiovascular events nearly a decade earlier than women without that history; a difference that makes early prevention essential.
Your pregnancy story is part of your heart story.
Our team understands how busy, emotional, and overwhelming the postpartum period can be. That’s why we take a compassionate, patient-centered approach that focuses on listening, educating, and creating personalized plans.
We offer:
Whether you had a complicated pregnancy or simply want peace of mind, we’re here to support your health; not just in the postpartum period, but throughout your life.
The postpartum season is often centered on the baby’s wellness, and rightfully so, but your health deserves equal priority. Your heart just carried you through one of the most physically demanding journeys you will ever experience. It deserves care, attention, and the reassurance of professional guidance.
If you’re experiencing symptoms, had complications during pregnancy, or simply want a clear picture of your heart health, schedule a visit with Colorado Springs Cardiology.
Your heart gave everything during pregnancy.
Let’s keep it healthy for the many years of motherhood ahead.