Cardio-Obstetric Care from Preconception through Postpartum

Coordinated preconception through postpartum cardio-obstetrics care is necessary to optimize both maternal and fetal health. Maternal mortality in the United States is increasing, largely driven by increasing CV disease burden during pregnancy, and needs to be addressed emergently. Both for women with congenital and acquired heart disease, CV complications during pregnancy are associated with increased future risk of CV disease. Comprehensive cardio-obstetrics care is a powerful way of ensuring that women's CV risks before and during pregnancy are appropriately identified and treated and that they remain engaged in CV care long term to prevent future CV complications.

Automated summary

Coordinated cardio-obstetrics care from preconception to postpartum is essential for optimizing maternal and fetal health, as well as reducing the increasing maternal mortality rates due to cardiovascular diseases during pregnancy. Women with both congenital and acquired heart diseases are at heightened risk of future cardiovascular diseases if they experience complications during pregnancy, highlighting the importance of comprehensive care to identify and treat cardiovascular risks before and during pregnancy.