New data from the U.S. National Center for Health Statistics reveals a steep increase in gestational hypertension, a form of high blood pressure that develops after 20 weeks of pregnancy in people who previously had normal readings. The condition, which can threaten both mother and baby, affected 10.4% of births in 2024—up from 6% in 2016—representing an increase of roughly 73% over eight years.
What is gestational hypertension?
Gestational hypertension is diagnosed when blood pressure reaches 140/90 mm Hg or higher on repeated measurements after the 20‑week mark of pregnancy. It differs from chronic hypertension, which exists before pregnancy or is identified early in gestation, and from preeclampsia, which adds organ‑damage signs such as kidney involvement.
Scope of the rise
The report, based on birth‑certificate data from every U.S. birth between 2016 and 2024, shows the condition becoming more common across all age groups, racial and ethnic categories, and every state and the District of Columbia. In 2024, state rates ranged from a low of 6.9% in New Jersey to a high of 14.6% in Louisiana.
Who is most at risk?
Older pregnant people face the greatest risk. Those aged 40 and older had the highest prevalence in 2024. Pre‑pregnancy obesity also doubled the likelihood of developing gestational hypertension compared with individuals of normal weight. Carrying twins or higher‑order multiples further increased risk.
Racial and ethnic disparities persist. American Indian and Alaska Native people experienced the highest rate at 13.2%, followed by Black individuals at 12.3%. Experts note that differences in access to quality health care may contribute to these gaps.
Potential complications
For the baby, gestational hypertension is associated with slower growth, low birth weight, preterm delivery and, in severe cases, stillbirth. The condition can also reduce blood flow to the placenta, raising the chance of placental abruption—a dangerous separation of the placenta from the uterus.
For the mother, severe hypertension can damage vital organs and increase the risk of stroke. It may also progress to preeclampsia, which can evolve into eclampsia, a life‑threatening seizure disorder.
Detection and symptoms
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends checking blood pressure at every prenatal visit. While many people with high blood pressure feel no symptoms, warning signs that warrant immediate medical attention include persistent severe headache, visual changes, upper‑abdominal pain, significant swelling of the face or hands, shortness of breath, and nausea or vomiting later in pregnancy.
Management and treatment
Management typically involves more frequent monitoring—home blood‑pressure checks, blood and urine tests, and closer fetal growth surveillance. Some patients may need antihypertensive medication. In cases of severely elevated pressure with organ‑damage signs, early delivery might be considered to protect both mother and child.
Prevention strategies
While factors such as age and multiple gestations cannot be changed, optimizing health before pregnancy can lower risk. Prospective parents should ensure chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes are well‑controlled, aim for a healthy weight, engage in regular physical activity, follow a nutritious diet and avoid smoking.
Post‑delivery considerations
Delivery does not automatically resolve blood‑pressure issues. Women who experienced gestational hypertension should continue monitoring their blood pressure in the weeks following childbirth, as problems can persist or even worsen.
Researchers emphasize that the rise may reflect both genuine health changes—such as older maternal age and higher obesity rates—and possible shifts in diagnostic practices or reporting. Ongoing study is needed to clarify the underlying causes.
Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
