Changes in Nutrition and Physical Activity up to 4 Years Following a Hypertensive Pregnancy: A Blood Pressure Postpartum Longitudinal Sub-Study

Background/Objectives: Postpartum lifestyle interventions may mitigate increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risks following hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP). The study aimed to examine longitudinal changes in post-HDP lifestyle behaviors and women’s perceptions towards healthy living.

Methods

This study was a longitudinal sub-study of the 3-armed, multicenter Blood Pressure Postpartum (BP2) randomized controlled trial in post-HDP women, comprising different postpartum care/lifestyle intervention strategies 6–12 months postpartum and post-intervention observational follow-up to 3–4 years postpartum. The NSW Health Population Survey captured lifestyle variables 6–12 months postpartum. At 3–4 years post-HDP, the Australian Eating Survey and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire were alternatively used for diet and physical activity, respectively. Linear mixed-effects models analyzed daily consumption of vegetables/fruit, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), and perception scores of healthy living for motivators, barriers, and satisfaction.