Cost: Member: $52.50 | Student: $22.50 | Non-Member: $97.50
Abstract: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of mortality in women, yet traditional prevention strategies often overlook reproductive history as a critical determinant of risk. Adverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs)—including preeclampsia, gestational hypertension, gestational diabetes, preterm birth, and fetal growth restriction—are now recognized as early indicators of long-term cardiometabolic disease. These events act as a “stress test,” unmasking vascular and metabolic vulnerabilities that extend beyond the postpartum period and influence cardiovascular health across the lifespan. For naturopathic doctors, reproductive milestones present key opportunities for early screening and prevention. During pregnancy, blood pressure, glucose tolerance, and placental function provide valuable insight into future cardiovascular risk. In the postpartum period, targeted follow-up on blood pressure, glycemic control, and lipid status allows for timely intervention. As women transition through perimenopause, integrating reproductive history with cardiovascular screening offers a unique window to address cumulative risk. This talk will review the evidence linking APOs to later CVD, discuss underlying mechanisms, and highlight clinical strategies naturopathic doctors can use to integrate pregnancy, postpartum, and perimenopausal screening into comprehensive cardiovascular prevention. By recognizing APOs as hidden risk factors, we can shift toward a proactive, sex-specific approach to optimizing long-term health in women.
Presenter Bio: Dr. Danielle Watson is a naturopathic doctor with a clinical expertise in maternal health. She holds a BA (Hons) in Psychology from Wilfrid Laurier University and a Doctor of Naturopathy degree from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine. Dr. Watson is the owner of Centre Health and has consulted on digital platforms supporting perinatal health. She has also been invited to keynote at national and international conferences, sharing her expertise in integrative maternal care and evidence-based naturopathic approaches. Dr. Watson shares her knowledge on her social media pages @themotherdoctor to educate further on naturopathic perinatal care.