Hypertension and pregnancy —know if you’re at risk

The rise in women having children later in life has led to an increase in gestational hypertension – a condition where high blood pressure develops in the second half of pregnancy. While previous generations typically had children in their twenties, many women now choose to become mothers in their thirties and forties. This demographic shift has coincided with more cases of women experiencing dangerous blood pressure elevations during pregnancy.

Dr. Elaine Stickrath, who practices obstetrics and gynecology at UCHealth Women’s Care Clinics in Steamboat Springs and Craig, emphasizes the seriousness of this trend. “It is a concern that hypertension in pregnant women is increasing, and it usually catches patients by surprise,” she notes. “It’s always on our radar, and we screen for it at every visit.”

The health implications of maternal hypertension are severe, threatening both mother and child. Mothers face increased risks of cardiovascular complications, including heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes. Their babies may be born prematurely or with low birth weight. The risks are particularly pronounced among Black and Indigenous women, who experience higher rates of both developing and dying from pregnancy-related high blood pressure.

Statistics show that gestational hypertension affects approximately 6% of pregnancies. Recognizing the significance of this condition, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists updated their guidelines in 2022, establishing stricter blood pressure thresholds for pregnant women.

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