Another pregnancy number to watch: Your blood pressure
Pregnancy comes with plenty of numbers to track, from due dates to your baby’s growth. One more deserves your attention: your blood pressure.
New research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that high blood pressure diagnosed during pregnancy is becoming increasingly common. In 2024, about 1 in 10 mothers who gave birth in the U.S. had been diagnosed with gestational hypertension, up 73% from 2016.
“High blood pressure during pregnancy can sometimes develop without obvious symptoms, which is one reason regular prenatal care is so important,” says Dr. Cherrell Triplett, an obstetrician and gynecologist at Advocate Health Care. “Knowing your blood pressure and understanding what changes to watch for can help you and your care team identify potential problems early.”
Why does high blood pressure matter during pregnancy?
High blood pressure can put added stress on your body during pregnancy and affect blood flow to the placenta, which provides your baby with oxygen and nutrients.
In some cases, it can lead to complications such as preeclampsia, a serious condition that can lead to preterm delivery and affect organs such as the brain, kidneys and liver.
“High blood pressure during pregnancy is something we take very seriously, but it can often be managed with careful monitoring,” Dr. Triplett says. “The goal is to protect the health of both mom and baby throughout the pregnancy.”
Why are gestational hypertension cases increasing?
The study didn’t examine why a high blood pressure diagnosis during pregnancy has become more common, so researchers can’t point to a single explanation for the increase.
What the data does show is a widespread trend. Rates increased across every studied age group and body mass index category and in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
Some people were more likely to develop the condition than others. By age, the rate was highest among mothers 40 and older. For mothers carrying multiple babies, the rate was nearly twice as high as for those carrying one baby.
How to help lower blood pressure during pregnancy
If you’re expecting, keep up with your prenatal appointments, where blood pressure checks are routine care. Your doctor may also recommend monitoring your blood pressure at home, particularly if you have pre-existing high blood pressure or other risk factors such as diabetes, kidney disease or autoimmune disorders.
Because high blood pressure and preeclampsia don’t always cause noticeable symptoms, knowing the warning signs matters. Contact your health care provider if you experience symptoms such as:
- A headache that won’t go away
- Changes in vision, such as seeing spots or flashing lights
- Pain in your upper abdomen
- Swelling in your face or hands
“Pay attention to how you feel and don’t hesitate to speak up if something doesn’t seem right,” Dr. Triplett says. “Pregnancy brings a lot of changes, but you know your body. If something concerns you, we want to hear about it.”
