(StatePoint) As you prepare for the arrival of your new baby, there’s likely one item on the top of your wish list: optimal health for you and your newborn.

A new study in the American Heart Association’s Circulation journal reports that cardiovascular-related complications during pregnancy may occur in as many as 1 in 7 pregnancies, even among people with no previous heart disease. This prevalence is on the rise due to increases in health risk factors for cardiovascular disease like obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol.

Because risk factors sometimes go undetected, it’s critical to engage with a health care provider about heart health before, during and after pregnancy, regardless of health status.

Being a Self-Advocate

Getting proper care during pregnancy m

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