Pregnancy and heart health: What women need to know

[WCCO-TV News, February 25, 2026] Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for women during pregnancy. Catherine "Cassie" Bigelow, MD, a physician specializing in cardio-obstetrics and maternal medicine with The Mother Baby Center, says pregnancy often serves as a woman’s first major “life stress test.” Complications such as preeclampsia, which is a spike in blood pressure, can reveal underlying risks of heart disease. She joined WCCO-TV to explain why it is important for women to focus on their heart health as they prepare for pregnancy and what to expect if their care team refers them to her a specialist like her.

Watch Dr. Bigelow’s interview below and learn more about The Mother Baby Center, a partnership between Allina Health and Children’s Minnesota.
Posted on February 25, 2026 in The Mother Baby Center

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