Heart Risks During Pregnancy: What to Know

Experts warn pregnancy can reveal or worsen diabetes and high blood pressure, putting women at higher risk of cardiovascular disease.

Feb. 6, 2026 at 4:47pm

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Cardiovascular disease is the top killer of women, and experts say pregnancy can reveal or worsen conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure that contribute to heart disease. Gestational hypertension and preeclampsia are pregnancy-related conditions that can lead to life-threatening high blood pressure, seizures, and stroke. Gestational diabetes, which often resolves after pregnancy, also puts women at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. Doctors emphasize the importance of regular checkups during pregnancy to monitor these conditions.

Why it matters

Pregnancy-related deaths have more than doubled in the past three decades, with cardiovascular disease being the leading cause. Conditions like gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, and gestational diabetes can have long-term impacts on a woman's heart health, making regular prenatal care crucial.

The details

According to the American Heart Association, cardiovascular disease kills more women than all forms of cancer combined. Dr. Tracy Muday says that in the past three decades, maternal pregnancy-related deaths have more than doubled, with cardiovascular disease being the top cause. Pregnancy can make conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure harder to control, and women who don't have these conditions prior to pregnancy can develop them during pregnancy. After 20 weeks, gestational hypertension and preeclampsia can occur, which can lead to seizures, life-threatening high blood pressure, and stroke. Gestational diabetes, which often resolves after pregnancy, also puts women at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. Both diabetes and high blood pressure can damage blood vessels, heightening the risk of heart and vascular problems.

  • After 20 weeks of pregnancy, gestational hypertension and preeclampsia can develop.

The players

Dr. Tracy Muday

A medical expert who discusses the increased risks of cardiovascular disease and pregnancy-related conditions like gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, and gestational diabetes.

American Heart Association

An organization that reports cardiovascular disease as the top killer of women, killing more than all forms of cancer combined.

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What they’re saying

“Pregnancy can make those conditions harder to control. But women who don't have high blood pressure or don't have diabetes sometimes can show those conditions during pregnancy.”

— Dr. Tracy Muday, Medical Expert

“It's another common condition of pregnancy where a woman who didn't have diabetes prior to her pregnancy then develops abnormal blood sugars […] oftentimes it resolves after the pregnancy is over.”

— Dr. Tracy Muday, Medical Expert

The takeaway

This report highlights the importance of regular prenatal care and monitoring for pregnant women, as conditions like gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, and gestational diabetes can have long-term impacts on heart health. By staying vigilant about these risks, women can take steps to manage their conditions and reduce their chances of developing serious cardiovascular issues down the line.