A scoping review exploring women’s experiences of cardiometabolic pregnancy complications and future cardiovascular health implications

Women who develop cardiometabolic pregnancy complications including gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), fetal growth restriction (FGR) and preterm birth (PTB) are at increased risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. This scoping review explores the extent, range and nature of qualitative research investigating experiences of women at-risk of or diagnosed with cardiometabolic pregnancy complications. Original research (n = 623) and review (n = 66) articles with qualitative data from women, partners, healthcare professionals and community and professional stakeholders were included. Studies involving women with GDM (n = 342, 49.6%), HDP (n = 163, 23.7%) and FGR (n = 17, 2.5%) primarily explored lifestyle, medical or pharmacotherapy interventions during pregnancy, whereas studies regarding PTB (n = 198, 28.7%) primarily explored psychosocial health postpartum. Risk of future diabetes or cardiovascular disease were prevalent concepts in GDM and HDP literature. Extensive qualitative research exists relating to maternal cardiometabolic health. Understanding women's experiences may guide cardiovascular disease prevention and screening initiatives.