Women's Postpartum Experiences of Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy: A Qualitative Study of Barriers and Enablers to Healthy Lifestyle Behaviours.

Background

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) have significant implications for women's long-term health, including at least a twofold increased lifetime risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The Blood Pressure Postpartum (BP2) Study was a three-arm randomised trial evaluating follow-up and lifestyle behaviour change strategies during the first year after HDP.

Methods

This qualitative sub-study, embedded within the BP2 Study, explored women's experiences of life in the first year following HDP. Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with 34 women, approximately 10-12 months postpartum. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and a thematic analysis was undertaken.

Results

Participants reflected on their experiences post-HDP; three major themes were identified: Navigating life with a newborn, The value of support, and Processing and Moving forward. Some women felt informed and empowered to make positive lifestyle changes; others were still processing their HDP experience and/or feeling overwhelmed by the demands of early motherhood. Responses were influenced by their HDP experience, available support, prior experience with healthy behaviours, and financial stability.

Conclusions

The findings highlight that postpartum women who experienced HDP face unique challenges, including physical recovery, emotional processing, and intensive infant care. It often takes time for these women to begin prioritising their own health, as they navigate these challenges. The insights generated from women's experiences suggest that flexible, accessible, and individually tailored support may facilitate postpartum health, promote lifestyle change, and help reduce long-term CVD risk.