Back to blood pressure news index

Being a mother lowers blood pressure

Being a mother can be stressful some days! However, a 20 year study has shown having a healthy pregnancy results in lower blood pressure in the long term.

The mothers study

Researchers studied 2,304 women aged 18 to 30 years. The womens blood pressure was assessed before and after their pregnancies and in follow-up visits for up to 20 years after their first measurement. The study included only women who did not have high blood pressure while pregnant.

The results

Systolic blood pressure in women who delivered one baby was 2 mmHg lower (on average) than that of women who never delivered a baby. The diastolic blood pressure was 1.5 mmHg lower.

The researchers found that blood pressure remained lower for years after delivery. However, it did not continue to decline after subsequent pregnancies.

The researchers wrote in conclusion, "A first birth is accompanied by persistent lowering of blood pressure from preconception to years after delivery."

Back to blood pressure news index

Note: These news headlines are now automatically displayed on the home page of the My Blood Pressure software for Windows.

The news is updated regularly, and you can click through to these items to read more.

Stay in touch with the latest blood pressure news while keeping track of your blood pressure readings!