Gestational Hypertension Rates Rise 73% in US, Affecting More Than 1 in 10 Births

High blood pressure during pregnancy is becoming increasingly common in the United States, with a new report finding that rates of gestational hypertension rose 73% between 2016 and 2024.

According to the National Center for Health Statistics, 10.4% of women giving birth in 2024 were reported as having gestational hypertension, compared with 6% in 2016. The number of cases increased from nearly 236,000 annually to more than 377,000.

Gestational hypertension refers to high blood pressure that develops after 20 weeks of pregnancy in someone who previously had normal blood pressure. It is one of several high blood pressure disorders associated with pregnancy and differs from chronic hypertension and preeclampsia.

Dr. Leana Wen, a CNN wellness expert and emergency physician, says the increase was seen across every age group and racial and ethnic group studied, as well as in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Rates were highest among women ages 40 and older and among those who had obesity before pregnancy. Women carrying twins or more babies also had substantially higher rates.

The condition can create serious health risks for both mothers and babies. It is associated with restricted fetal growth, low birth weight, premature delivery and stillbirth. For mothers, severe hypertension can increase the risk of organ damage and stroke, while gestational hypertension can progress to preeclampsia and, in severe cases, eclampsia.

Warning signs that can require urgent medical attention include severe or persistent headaches, vision changes, upper abdominal pain, significant swelling, shortness of breath and nausea or vomiting later in pregnancy. However, many people with high blood pressure have no symptoms.

Blood pressure is typically checked during prenatal visits. Patients diagnosed with gestational hypertension may require additional monitoring, home blood pressure checks, laboratory testing and medication.

Doctors also recommend maintaining overall health before and during pregnancy through regular physical activity, a nutritious diet, avoiding smoking and managing existing conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes.

Women who develop hypertension during pregnancy should also continue monitoring their health after delivery, since blood pressure problems can persist or worsen in the weeks following childbirth. The condition is also associated with a higher risk of chronic hypertension and cardiovascular disease later in life.

CNN Newsource contributed to this report.

Explore: NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the Valley.