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Updated: Sep 4, 2025

Assessment of Maternal Vascular Remodeling During Pregnancy in the Mouse Uterus
Published on: December 5, 2015
Pregnancy complications and cardiovascular disease risk perception: A qualitative study
Prabha H Andraweera1,2,3, Zohra S Lassi1,2, Maleesa M Pathirana1,2
1Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia.
Objectives:
We aimed to assess women's perceptions on the long-term risks for cardiovascular disease (CVD) after major pregnancy complications.
Methods:
Women who experienced major pregnancy complications and those who experienced uncomplicated pregnancies were invited to participate in a qualitative study. Focus group discussions (FGDs) and self-administered questionnaires were used to explore: The knowledge of long-term sequelae after experiencing a major pregnancy complication; Importance of education on heart health; The practicality of referral to a clinic after pregnancy complications; Willingness for regular postpartum clinic visits after pregnancy complications. A thematic qualitative analysis was undertaken.
Results:
26 women participated in four FGDs. The majority of women did not know of the association between major pregnancy complications and CVD. The main views expressed were: Women who experience pregnancy complications should receive education on improving heart health; An appointment for the first CVD risk screening visit needs to be made prior to discharge from the delivery suite; Women will benefit by having the option to select between a hospital and a general-practitioner based model of follow up.
Conclusions:
These views are important in developing postpartum strategies to reduce CVD risk among women who experience pregnancy complications.
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