Postpartum CO Rehabilitation

What this study is about

Some women who develop high blood pressure during pregnancy, such as gestational hypertension or preeclampsia, may continue to have slightly or moderately high blood pressure after giving birth. This can increase their risk of heart disease later in life. Managing blood pressure and adopting a healthy lifestyle after pregnancy could help lower this risk. Right now, the investigators don't know much about how postpartum rehabilitation programs focused on heart and pregnancy-related health could help women with these conditions. However, a feasibility study suggests that exercise programs might help reduce blood pressure and encourage healthier lifestyles in these women. In this study, the investigators are testing an 8-week exercise program to see how it affects blood pressure, fitness, and blood vessel health. The investigators will compare the results with a group of women who receive usual healthcare, which includes verbal advice on healthy living but no supervised exercise sessions. This type of program, called cardio-obstetric rehabilitation, combines exercises for heart health with specialized care for women's health.

Who can join (things the study team will check)

✅ You may be able to join if…

• are 3 to 6 months postpartum, willing, and able to give informed consent for participation;
• are more than 18 years old;
• are able to access and use a computer, mobile phone and internet (for online sessions);
• were diagnosed with GH (BP higher than 139/89 mmHg after 20 gestational weeks) or PE (BP higher than 139/89 mmHg and proteinuria after 20 gestational weeks) during pregnancy.

🚫 You may not be able to join if…

• have chronic (pre-existing) hypertension (BP>139/89 mmHg pre-pregnancy, <20 weeks' gestation or after 6 weeks postpartum);
• received antihypertensive drug therapy prior to pregnancy or after 6 weeks postpartum;
• are taking beta-blockers for any reason;
• participated in exercise activity programs regularly before 3-month postpartum (more than 2 hour of moderate-to-vigorous exercise per week);
• have any musculoskeletal injury that can limit or contraindicate the practice of exercise;
• have any major contraindications to exercise such as cardiomyopathy, cardiac arrhythmias and conduction abnormalities or congenital heart disease.

Where this trial is running

• Hôpital du Sacre-Coer de Montréal - CIUSSS du Nord-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Who to contact

Mariane Bertagnolli, PhD, Professor · 514-388-2222 · mariane.bertagnolli.cnmtl@ssss.gouv.qc.ca

It's completely normal to call and ask questions before deciding anything. Mention the study ID: NCT06920537.