Peripartum cardiomyopathy is a rare disorder in which a weakened heart is diagnosed within the last month of pregnancy, or within 5 months after delivery.

Cardiomyopathy occurs when there is damage to the heart. The heart muscle becomes weakened and cannot pump blood efficiently. Decreased heart function affects the lungs, liver, and other body systems.

Peripartum cardiomyopathy is a form of dilated cardiomyopathy without other identifiable causes of heart dysfunction (weakened heart).

In the United States, peripartum cardiomyopathy complicates 1 in every 1,300 to 4,000 deliveries. It may occur in childbearing women of any age, but it is most common after age 30.

Other risk factors include obesity, having a personal history of cardiac disorders (such as myocarditis), use of certain medications, smoking, alcoholism, multiple pregnancy, being African-American, and being malnourished.