A new report from the U.S. National Center for Health Statistics shows a steep rise 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 affected 10.4% of births in 2024, up from 6% in 2016—a 73% increase.
What the data reveal
Researchers examined birth‑certificate data for all U.S. births between 2016 and 2024. Annual cases grew from roughly 236,000 to more than 377,000. Increases were seen across every age group, racial and ethnic category, and all 50 states plus the District of Columbia. Geographic variation persisted, with rates ranging from 6.9% in New Jersey to 14.6% in Louisiana.
Why gestational hypertension matters
The condition can limit blood flow to the placenta, raising the risk of low birth weight, preterm delivery, stillbirth, and placental abruption. For the mother, severe hypertension can damage organs, increase stroke risk, and progress to preeclampsia or eclampsia, which may involve seizures.
Who is most at risk
In 2024, pregnant people aged 40 and older had the highest rates. Pre‑pregnancy obesity more than doubled the risk compared with normal‑weight individuals. Carrying twins or higher‑order multiples also raised rates substantially. Among racial and ethnic groups, American Indian and Alaska Native people had the highest rate (13.2%), followed by Black people (12.3%). Access to health care may influence these differences.
Possible reasons for the rise
Experts point to broader trends: more pregnancies at older ages, higher obesity prevalence among reproductive‑age adults, and an increase in multiple‑birth pregnancies. However, the rise was observed across all age and body‑mass‑index categories, suggesting that changes in diagnosis, reporting, or other biological factors may also play a role.
Detection and treatment
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends checking blood pressure at every prenatal visit. Persistent high readings should be confirmed with repeat measurements. Symptoms such as severe headache, vision changes, upper‑abdominal pain, significant swelling, shortness of breath, or late‑pregnancy nausea/vomiting warrant urgent evaluation.
Management includes more frequent monitoring, possible home blood‑pressure checks, blood and urine tests, and fetal growth assessments. Medication may be prescribed if blood pressure is markedly elevated. In severe cases, early delivery might be necessary to protect mother and child.
Preventive steps
While age and multiple pregnancies cannot be changed, prospective parents can improve health before conception. Controlling chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes, achieving a healthy weight, engaging in regular physical activity, eating a balanced diet, and avoiding tobacco can lower risk.
Post‑delivery considerations
Delivery does not automatically resolve blood‑pressure issues. Some people experience persistent or worsening hypertension in the weeks after birth, so continued monitoring is important.
Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.
