When people think about pregnancy care, most are familiar with the three traditional trimesters. However, an often-overlooked phase — the fourth trimester — plays a critical role in a woman’s long-term health, particularly when it comes to cardiovascular disease.
The National Institutes of Health defines the fourth trimester as the first 12 weeks after delivery and beyond. During this time, a woman’s body undergoes significant physical and hormonal changes as it recovers from pregnancy and childbirth. It is also a pivotal period for identifying and addressing early signs of heart disease.
A gap in care after delivery
After being discharged from obstetric care, many young and otherwise healthy women may not have an established primary care provider. This gap in care can allow early warning signs of cardiovascular disease, such as elevated blood pressure, to go undetected.
The fourth trimester presents an essential opportunity for cardiologists and advanced practice providers to assess cardiovascular risk, identify hypertension and establish long-term prevention strategies aimed at reducing the likelihood of heart disease later in life.
Pregnancy-related hypertension and heart disease risk
According to the American Heart Association, women who experience hypertensive disorders during pregnancy — including chronic hypertension, gestational hypertension and preeclampsia face a significantly higher risk of developing heart disease compared to their peers.
Early access to specialized care, patient education and proactive intervention during the fourth trimester can help mitigate these risks and improve long-term outcomes for women.
Leading the way in maternal heart health
Northside Hospital is proud to lead the way with one of North America’s first Maternal Heart Health Clinics. Northside’s Maternal Heart Health Clinic is designed to educate patients, identify cardiovascular risk factors, provide treatment and help reduce the likelihood of future heart disease, particularly during the fourth trimester.
Providers with patients who may benefit from this program are encouraged to refer them to the Maternal Heart Health Clinic.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE MATERNAL HEART HEALTH CLINIC AT NORTHSIDE.
