High blood pressure during pregnancy, also known as hypertension, is diagnosed when a pregnant persons blood pressure is 140/90 or higher on two separate occasions. High blood pressure can be a serious problem for anyone if left untreated, and in pregnancy, it can lead to life-threatening complications for both the mother and the baby. Between 8% and 16% of all pregnant women experience high blood pressure during their pregnancy.

There are different types of high blood pressure disorders that can occur during pregnancy, including gestational hypertension, chronic hypertension, and chronic hypertension with superimposed preeclampsia. Certain risk factors increase the likelihood that a woman will develop high blood pressure during pregnancy, including obesity, diabetes, chronic hypertension prior to pregnancy, certain pre-existing medical conditions, advanced age (35 or older), being pregnant for the first time, multiple gestation (twins or more), high cholesterol levels, and a personal or family history of high blood pressure.

The exact cause of high blood pressure during pregnancy is not fully understood, but experts believe it may involve several factors, including problems with how well blood circulates in the placenta, which may lead to the irregular regulation of blood pressure in the mother.

Complications from high blood pressure for the mother and infant can include preeclampsia, eclampsia, premature birth, placental abruption, and cesarean birth. Treatment is important, and blood pressure needs to be monitored closely throughout pregnancy to make sure it is not affecting the growth of the baby and to check for preeclampsia. Some blood pressure medications are considered safe to use during pregnancy, but others need to be avoided. It is important to talk with a healthcare professional about any blood pressure problems before, during, and after pregnancy to get the right treatment and control blood pressure.