biostudies-literatureAndraweera PHNational Health and Medical Research Councile0271722https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC9302856biostudies-literatureUnknown17(7)<h4>Objectives</h4>We aimed to assess women's perceptions on the long-term risks for cardiovascular disease (CVD) after major pregnancy complications.<h4>Methods</h4>Women who experienced major pregnancy complications and those who experienced uncomplicated pregnancies were invited to participate in a qualitative study. Focus group discussions (FGDs) and self-administered questionnaires were used to explore: The knowledge of long-term sequelae after experiencing a major pregnancy complication; Importance of education on heart health; The practicality of referral to a clinic after pregnancy complications; Willingness for regular postpartum clinic visits after pregnancy complications. A thematic qualitative analysis was undertaken.<h4>Results</h4>26 women participated in four FGDs. The majority of women did not know of the association between major pregnancy complications and CVD. The main views expressed were: Women who experience pregnancy complications should receive education on improving heart health; An appointment for the first CVD risk screening visit needs to be made prior to discharge from the delivery suite; Women will benefit by having the option to select between a hospital and a general-practitioner based model of follow up.<h4>Conclusions</h4>These views are important in developing postpartum strategies to reduce CVD risk among women who experience pregnancy complications.PloS onePregnancy complications and cardiovascular disease risk perception: A qualitative study.PMC9302856GNT1174971GNT1090778GNT1141382Lassi ZSDekker GAAndraweera PHPlummer MDArstall MAPathirana MMRoberts CTfalsePregnancy complications and cardiovascular disease risk perception: A qualitative study.<h4>Objectives</h4>We aimed to assess women's perceptions on the long-term risks for cardiovascular disease (CVD) after major pregnancy complications.<h4>Methods</h4>Women who experienced major pregnancy complications and those who experienced uncomplicated pregnancies were invited to participate in a qualitative study. Focus group discussions (FGDs) and self-administered questionnaires were used to explore: The knowledge of long-term sequelae after experiencing a major pregnancy complication; Importance of education on heart health; The practicality of referral to a clinic after pregnancy complications; Willingness for regular postpartum clinic visits after pregnancy complications. A thematic qualitative analysis was undertaken.<h4>Results</h4>26 women participated in four FGDs. The majority of women did not know of the association between major pregnancy complications and CVD. The main views expressed were: Women who experience pregnancy complications should receive education on improving heart health; An appointment for the first CVD risk screening visit needs to be made prior to discharge from the delivery suite; Women will benefit by having the option to select between a hospital and a general-practitioner based model of follow up.<h4>Conclusions</h4>These views are important in developing postpartum strategies to reduce CVD risk among women who experience pregnancy complications.2022-01-01T00:00:00Z20222025-04-22T13:27:20.73Z2025-04-06T00:38:22.722ZS-EPMC93028563586242010.1371/journal.pone.0271722