Researchers looked at the heart health of pregnant women in the United States using a scoring system called Life’s Essential 8, which measures things like sleep, exercise, diet, and weight. They studied data from over 1.6 million pregnant women and 34.5 million non-pregnant women between 2011 and 2020. The study found that pregnant women had lower heart health scores than non-pregnant women, especially in areas like physical activity and blood fat levels. Interestingly, pregnant women’s heart health scores got worse over time during this period. Understanding these differences could help doctors better support pregnant women’s health during pregnancy.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: Whether pregnant women have different heart health scores compared to non-pregnant women, using eight key health measurements including sleep, exercise, diet, weight, blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels.
- Who participated: Over 36 million American women aged 20-44 years old, including about 1.6 million who were pregnant at the time of the study. The data came from a national health survey conducted between 2011 and 2020.
- Key finding: Pregnant women scored about 3 points lower on the heart health scale (69.3 vs 72.3 out of 100) and were 51% less likely to have ideal heart health compared to non-pregnant women. Their scores also got worse between 2011 and 2020.
- What it means for you: If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, this research suggests paying extra attention to heart health factors like staying active, eating well, managing weight, and getting good sleep. However, pregnancy naturally changes the body, so talk with your doctor about what’s realistic and healthy for your specific situation.
The Research Details
This study used information from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), which is a large government health survey that asks Americans about their health and takes measurements like weight and blood pressure. Researchers compared heart health scores between pregnant and non-pregnant women using eight key health factors: sleep quality, diet quality, physical activity, body weight, blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol levels, and nicotine exposure. The study looked at data collected over a 10-year period from 2011 to 2020, which allowed researchers to see if things changed over time.
This research approach is important because it uses real-world data from a representative sample of American women rather than just a small group in a clinic. This means the findings likely reflect what’s actually happening across the country. By comparing pregnant and non-pregnant women at the same time, researchers could identify specific health areas where pregnancy makes a difference. Tracking changes over 10 years also helps show whether pregnant women’s health is improving or getting worse.
This study is based on a large, nationally representative sample, which is a strength because the results likely apply to many American women. However, because this is a snapshot study (cross-sectional), it shows differences between groups at one point in time but cannot prove that pregnancy causes the lower scores. The study only included women without existing heart disease, so results may not apply to women with heart conditions. The data is also a few years old, so current patterns might be different.
What the Results Show
Pregnant women had significantly lower heart health scores compared to non-pregnant women across almost all eight health categories. The biggest differences appeared in physical activity (pregnant women averaged 42.7 vs non-pregnant 56.2), blood lipids or cholesterol (61.8 vs 79.4), and body weight measurements (54.4 vs 60.5). Interestingly, diet scores were similar between the two groups (43.7 vs 43.8), suggesting both groups could improve their eating habits. Overall, pregnant women were about half as likely to have ideal cardiovascular health compared to non-pregnant women.
When researchers looked at trends over time, they found that pregnant women’s heart health scores actually got worse between 2011-2012 and 2017-2020, dropping from 71.0 to 66.4. This downward trend is concerning because it suggests that pregnant women’s overall heart health may be declining. The study also showed that multiple health factors contributed to lower scores, not just one or two areas, indicating that pregnancy affects overall wellness in several ways.
Previous research has shown that pregnancy puts extra stress on the heart and blood vessels as the body works to support both mother and baby. This study confirms those findings by showing measurable differences in heart health scores. The declining scores over the 10-year period align with broader trends showing that Americans’ overall health has been declining in recent years. This research adds to growing evidence that pregnant women may need extra support to maintain good heart health.
This study shows differences between pregnant and non-pregnant women but cannot prove that pregnancy causes lower heart health scores. The study only included women without existing heart disease, so we don’t know how pregnancy affects women who already have heart problems. The data is from 2011-2020, so current patterns might be different. Additionally, the study couldn’t account for all factors that might affect heart health, such as stress levels, mental health, or access to healthcare. Finally, the study is based on self-reported information for some health measures, which may not always be completely accurate.
The Bottom Line
Women who are pregnant or planning pregnancy should work with their healthcare provider to maintain healthy habits in areas where pregnancy tends to have the biggest impact: staying physically active (as approved by your doctor), managing weight gain appropriately, eating a nutritious diet, managing blood pressure and cholesterol, getting adequate sleep, and avoiding nicotine. These recommendations have moderate confidence because they’re based on observed differences, though pregnancy naturally changes the body. Your doctor can help you set realistic goals that are safe for you and your baby.
Pregnant women and women planning to become pregnant should pay attention to these findings. Healthcare providers caring for pregnant women should also consider these results when counseling patients about heart health. Women with existing heart disease should definitely discuss these findings with their cardiologist. However, these findings don’t mean pregnant women should be alarmed—pregnancy is a normal condition, and many of these changes are expected. Non-pregnant women can use this information to maintain their own heart health.
Heart health improvements typically take several weeks to months to become noticeable. For example, physical activity improvements in blood pressure and cholesterol might appear in 4-8 weeks of consistent effort. Weight management changes take longer, usually several months. During pregnancy, the focus should be on gradual, sustainable changes rather than rapid improvements. Talk with your doctor about realistic timelines for your specific situation.
Want to Apply This Research?
- Track weekly physical activity minutes (aim for 150 minutes of moderate activity per week as approved by your doctor), daily sleep hours (target 7-9 hours), and weekly servings of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Use the app to log these three categories and watch for trends over 4-week periods.
- Set one specific, achievable goal each week, such as ‘Take a 20-minute walk 3 times this week’ or ‘Add one extra vegetable to dinner 4 times this week.’ Use the app to log completion and celebrate small wins. During pregnancy, focus on sustainable habits rather than dramatic changes.
- Review your heart health scores monthly with your healthcare provider. Track the eight Life’s Essential 8 categories in the app and share monthly summaries with your doctor. Set 3-month goals for gradual improvement in areas where you’re weakest, and celebrate progress in any category. If you notice declining scores, discuss with your provider whether adjustments are needed.
This research provides general information about heart health patterns in pregnant women but should not replace personalized medical advice. Pregnancy naturally changes the body, and what’s healthy varies for each woman. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, discuss these findings with your obstetrician or healthcare provider before making any changes to your exercise routine, diet, or health habits. This is especially important if you have any existing health conditions or risk factors for heart disease. Always follow your doctor’s specific recommendations for your individual situation.
This research translation is published by Gram Research, the science division of Gram, an AI-powered nutrition tracking app.