08/03/2026
I have seen such an uptick of hypertension in the last five years. Diet and exercise are something I speak of when I meet with my clients. I do not shy away from this conversation at all. Why would I. My goal is to support moms before, during, and after delivery. This means helping her a hi or her goals to the best of my ability. I always share my knowledge on ways to stay out of the realm of preeclamsia. Sometimes, yes, it happens to the best of us, but overall, chances are lower when we prioritize lifestyle. Health and wellness, in terms of diet and exercise, are key to anyone, but especially moms who desire healthy outcomes and the chance of straightforward labors. It’s the simplest thing to do, yet the hardest.
NEW DATA: Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are on the rise in the United States.
According to recent national data:
✨️ Gestational hypertension increased by 56% between 2016 and 2024, rising from 6.3% to 9.8% of U.S. births.
✨️ Overall hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (including gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, eclampsia, and chronic hypertension with superimposed preeclampsia) increased by more than 70% during the same period.
Importantly, these increases were observed across all maternal age groups, racial and ethnic groups, and gestational ages.
While optimizing preconception health can help reduce the risk of some pregnancy complications, these increases have occurred even among many people without traditional risk factors.
Researchers continue to investigate why rates are rising. Contributing factors may include increasing maternal age, chronic health conditions, and chronic stress, but there is no single clear explanation.
What can you do?
✨️ Prioritize preconception health whenever possible.
✨️ Stay physically active as recommended by your healthcare provider.
✨️ Aim for a balanced, nutrient-rich diet.
✨️ Incorporate stress-reduction strategies that work for you.
✨️ Attend regular prenatal appointments so blood pressure changes can be identified and managed early.
Some risk factors are modifiable, while others are not. That's why consistent prenatal care and continuity of care remain some of the most important tools we have for identifying hypertensive disorders early and improving outcomes for both parent and baby.
👇🏽 Did you or someone you know navigate hypertensive disorders in pregnancy?