This Pregnancy Condition Spiked 73% in 8 Years

Pregnancy and high blood pressure are crossing paths more often in the US, new federal data show. The CDC reports that in 2024, roughly 1 in 10 pregnant women had gestational hypertension, up from about 1 in 17 in 2016—a 73% jump. Doctors say they're seeing the increase in every age group, racial category, and region, per the New York Times. The rate even doubled among underweight women. The figures, drawn from hospital birth certificates, exclude women who had high blood pressure before getting pregnant, a separate condition that also appears to be climbing. Earlier research found a similar increase in hypertensive pregnancies in Canada.

Researchers believe the condition is underreported on US birth certificates, meaning current rates are likely even higher than stated. Rates ranged from about 7% among non-Hispanic Asian mothers to 13% among non-Hispanic American Indian and Alaska Native mothers. Higher pre-pregnancy weight and carrying twins or more babies raised the odds. Older maternal age may also be a factor. Experts are calling for more research into possible drivers, including pollution and other environmental exposures. A 2025 study found hypertensive disorders of pregnancy boost one's risk of heart attack, stroke, heart failure, and death within five years.