High blood pressure (hypertension) during pregnancy affects 5–10% of pregnancies worldwide and is a leading cause of serious complications for both mothers and babies. It raises the risk of preeclampsia, stroke, kidney injury, heart failure, and long-term cardiovascular disease. Managing blood pressure before, during, and after pregnancy is critical to protect maternal health and prevent complications for the baby, such as growth restriction and preterm birth.
What Happens to Blood Pressure During and After Pregnancy?
- Normally, blood pressure decreases early in pregnancy due to hormonal changes and then rises slightly toward delivery.
- In the days after childbirth, blood pressure naturally spikes, with the highest risk for dangerous complications (like stroke and heart problems) occurring between 1 and 6 days postpartum.
- In those with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, or chronic hypertension), blood pressure may rise more sharply and remain high for weeks to months. About 40% still have high blood pressure two weeks postpartum, and some develop lifelong hypertension.
Why It Matters Long-Term
Women with a history of pregnancy-related hypertension are at higher risk of persistent high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke later in life. Regular follow-up with primary care and cardiology teams is essential to lower these risks.
New Approaches to Care
- Postpartum hypertension clinics and maternal health transition clinics provide specialized follow-up to monitor blood pressure, screen for heart disease risks, and offer lifestyle counseling.
- Home blood pressure monitoring programs make it easier for new mothers to track blood pressure and receive timely care, especially during the vulnerable first weeks after delivery.
- Ongoing research is focusing on the safest medication options during pregnancy and breastfeeding, as well as refining the ideal blood pressure targets before and after childbirth.
Takeaway
Hypertension in pregnancy and postpartum requires careful monitoring, timely treatment, and coordinated follow-up care. Expanding access to postpartum clinics and home monitoring programs, along with more inclusive clinical research, can improve short- and long-term health outcomes for mothers worldwide.