CDC Analysis Finds Sharp Rise in High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy

A recent analysis by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that the rate of high blood pressure among pregnant women rose by 73 percent between 2016 and 2024, according to a report by Scientific American.

High blood pressure during pregnancy, which includes conditions such as gestational hypertension and preeclampsia, can lead to serious complications for both mother and child, the report noted. These complications can have lasting, life-changing effects on maternal and infant health.

Scientific American reported that the increase reflects a broader trend of rising hypertensive disorders in pregnancy over the analyzed period, based on the CDC's data. The publication did not specify the exact causes behind the rise, though such increases are often linked by health experts to factors including maternal age, pre-existing health conditions, and obesity rates, though the source article did not detail specific contributing factors for this particular analysis.

The report underscored the potential severity of untreated or poorly managed high blood pressure during pregnancy, which can result in outcomes affecting long-term health for mothers and their children.

Scientific American's article did not include additional statements from CDC officials or medical experts beyond the statistical findings cited.