Women’s Postpartum Experiences of Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy
A Qualitative Study of Barriers and Enablers to Healthy Lifestyle Behaviours
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 15513277 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Lynne M Roberts (0000-0003-2339-3751, Sutherland Hospital, corresponding author), Chris Rossiter (0000-0002-3833-3076, The University of Sydney), Elizabeth Denney‐Wilson (0000-0001-9879-4969, The University of Sydney), Megan L Gow (0000-0002-9574-6248, The University of Sydney), Amanda Henry (0000-0002-7351-8922, The University of Sydney) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Volume | 23 |
| Issue | 1 |
| Pages | 100-100 |
| Publication date | 2026-01-11 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1661-7827 • E-ISSN: 1660-4601 |
| Publisher | Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (PUBLISHER • CH) |
| DOI | 10.3390/ijerph23010100 |
| PMID | 41595894 |
| OpenAlex | W7122359641 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 22 |
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 (BP 2 ) 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 BP 2 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
Blood pressure · Disease · Feeling · Postpartum haemorrhage · Postpartum period · Pregnancy · Qualitative analysis · Qualitative research · Thematic analysis · Gestational Diabetes Research and Management · Maternal Mental Health During Pregnancy and Postpartum · Pregnancy and preeclampsia studies
| Highly cited | No |
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