Gestational hypertension: What pregnant patients should know

Key Points:

• The rate of gestational hypertension in the U.S. increased by 73% from 2016 to 2024, affecting over 10% of women giving birth in 2024, according to a report by the National Center for Health Statistics.
• Gestational hypertension is high blood pressure developing after 20 weeks of pregnancy in previously normotensive women and can lead to serious risks such as low birth weight, preterm delivery, placental abruption, and increased maternal risk of stroke and organ damage.
• Higher risk is observed among women aged 40 and older, those with obesity before pregnancy, multiple pregnancies, and certain racial groups including American Indian, Alaska Native, and Black women, with disparities possibly linked to healthcare access.
• Contributing factors to the rise include increased maternal age, obesity prevalence, and multiple births, though changes in diagnosis and reporting may also play a role; further research is needed to clarify causes.
• Prevention includes managing existing health conditions, maintaining a healthy weight, regular exercise, and a nutritious diet before and during pregnancy, while treatment involves close monitoring, possible medication, and sometimes early delivery depending on severity.