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Listen to Your Heart While Expecting

Have a Heart-healthy Pregnancy

By Lisa A. Goldstein

Hypertension in pregnancy is also dangerous, but Dr. Goldberg says it can be treated with medications that are safe. Blood pressure needs to be monitored, however. Gestational diabetes during pregnancy increases the risk for type II diabetes, which increases a woman's risk for heart disease fivefold, Dr. Goldberg says. And diet and exercise play a large role in the prevention of type II diabetes, according to Dr. Goldberg.

Oral hygiene also is important to heart health. "Periodontal disease is directly related to heart disease and has a gestational effect on the baby by increasing the risk of low-birth-weight babies, pre-term deliveries and more," says Dr. Stephen D. Spitz of Smileboston Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry in Boston, Mass. The major factor is the unjustified fear that a woman should not go to the dentist during pregnancy, but in actuality, it's more important to see the dentist as soon as possible for hygiene, periodontal care and any other pain, he says.

Pregnant women need to consume a healthy balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Although fish is recommended as a heart-healthy food source, pregnant women need to watch their intake of certain types of fish because of mercury content, says Dr. Goldberg, who also recommends nuts such as almonds and walnuts as good sources of healthy fats (monounsaturated, polyunsaturated and omegas).

"[Women] should have no more than two servings [of fish] per week and avoid fish with high mercury content like tuna, swordfish and mackerel," says Dr. Goldberg. "For those eating chicken, we recommend removing the skin, and it should be baked or grilled. Deep frying not only adds calories but saturated fat."

In terms o exercise, regular, light-to-moderate-intensity exercise for 30 minutes for five or more days a week is recommended by the American Heart Association and is also recommended for pregnant mothers, with some exceptions. "Moms who did not exercise regularly before pregnancy should take special care to start a regimen for her health and start slowly and work her way up to 30 minutes a day," says Dr. DeVane. "Women with pregnancy-induced hypertension, vaginal bleeding, known coronary heart disease, preterm labor and other conditions should seek the advice of their doctor before exercising."

Want to see more?

• The Active Route: Taking Charge of Your Heart Health
• Heart-healthy Eating: It's Easier Than You Think
• Soup's On!: A Soothing Comfort Food for Moms-to-be
• Talk about it!