A new study in the American Heart Journal shows that women who have had five or more births have a greater risk of heart disease. The risk was lowest for women who had two children, with increased risks seen even in the no birth and one birth groups. Researchers say that it may be because of how pregnancy changes the blood flow in the body.
Previous studies looked at very small numbers of women. They were also conflicting. This study looked at a very large number of women and even looked at data regarding pregnancy complications that may have factored in. This rise in risk was beginning in middle age and going forward. It is also important to note that an increase in risk, even when multiple times higher, may not be that significant for an individual with a very low risk in general. Though this study may be something to consider if you are at a higher risk of heart disease and stroke and wish to have a big family.
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Parity and risk of later-life maternal cardiovascular disease Nisha I. Parikh, Sven Cnattingius, Paul W. Dickman, Murray A. Mittleman, Jonas F. Ludvigsson, Erik Ingelsson pages 215-221.e6.