The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported Wednesday that pregnancy-related high blood pressure has increased by 73% [1] since 2016.
This trend indicates a growing cardiovascular risk among pregnant women that could lead to severe maternal and fetal health complications. The rise in hypertension is linked to a broader increase in risk factors that threaten the safety of both mother and child during pregnancy.
According to a report released Wednesday, rates of high blood pressure in U.S. pregnant women rose substantially over an eight-year span [2]. The data covers the period from 2016 to 2024 [2].
"Pregnancy-related high blood pressure has risen 73% since 2016," Dr. Tara Narula said.
The increase in these rates is a critical public health concern because of the associated medical risks. Hypertension during pregnancy is associated with stillbirth, heart disease among mothers, and other serious complications, according to The New York Times.
Health officials are highlighting the need for better prevention and management of cardiovascular disease to reduce maternal mortality. The findings suggest that current interventions may not be keeping pace with the rising prevalence of these conditions in the U.S. population.
“Pregnancy-related high blood pressure has risen 73% since 2016.”
The sharp increase in pregnancy-related hypertension suggests a deteriorating baseline of cardiovascular health among women of childbearing age in the U.S. Because these conditions are linked to long-term heart disease and immediate fetal risks, the CDC data points to a need for more aggressive prenatal screening and systemic changes in maternal healthcare to prevent avoidable deaths.
