Adapted from BMJ 27 April 2024
A national Swedish cohort study of more than two million women has found that women who have experienced difficult pregnancies can be at higher risk of early death up to 46 years later.
Preterm delivery, small for gestational age, pre-eclampsia, hypertension and gestational diabetes, all were associated with increased mortality risks. The main causes of death were cardiovascular diseases, respiratory disorders and diabetes.
These factors were independent risks for premature mortality. Siblings of the women who had normal pregnancies were not at increased risk of earlier death.
Researchers suggest that women who have experienced these problems consider enhanced health checks, put effort into prevention and get treatment for chronic disease if diagnosed.
JAMA Internal Medicine 2024
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