CDC: Pregnancy hypertensive disorder prevalence increases

The prevalence of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy (HDP) increased from about 13% of hospital deliveries in 2017 to 16% in 2019, affecting at least 1 in 7 such deliveries, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). HDP are common and can cause severe complications for pregnant people, such as heart attacks and strokes, and are a leading cause of pregnancy-related death in the United States. HDP affect more than 1 in 5 hospital deliveries of Black women and about 1 in 6 hospital deliveries of American Indian and Alaska Native women. A trial of home blood pressure monitoring with HDP patients in England did not result in improved pregnancy outcomes, but some researchers argue the practice may have value and deserves further study. (CDC news release, 4/28/22)