Gestational hypertension rose 73% from 2016 to 2024, CDC data show

The rate of gestational hypertension among US mothers giving birth increased 73% from 2016 to 2024, rising from 6.0% to 10.4%, according to a new report from the CDC's National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) published in the National Vital Statistics Reports.

The report, which analyzes 100% of births registered in the United States from 2016 through 2024, found that the total number of gestational hypertension cases increased 60% over the same period, from 235,693 in 2016 to 377,267 in 2024, an average annual increase of 7%. Rates increased across all maternal race and Hispanic-origin groups, age groups, BMI categories, plurality types, and all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Hypertensive disorders in pregnancy — which include gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, eclampsia, and chronic hypertension with superimposed preeclampsia — are among the leading causes of maternal morbidity and mortality in the United States. Adverse outcomes for the mother include placental abruption, organ damage or failure, and cardiovascular disease later in life, while adverse perinatal outcomes include stillbirth, neonatal mortality, intrauterine growth restriction, preterm birth, and low birthweight.

How did rates vary by race, ethnicity, and age?

In 2024, the rate of gestational hypertension varied significantly by maternal race and Hispanic origin. American Indian and Alaska Native mothers had the highest rate at 13.2%, followed by Black mothers (12.3%), White mothers (11.3%), Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander mothers (10.6%), Hispanic mothers (8.5%), and Asian mothers, who had the lowest rate at 7.1%. The rate for American Indian and Alaska Native mothers was nearly twice that of Asian mothers.

From 2016 to 2024, the largest relative increase was seen among Asian mothers, whose rate more than doubled (from 3.5% to 7.1%; a 103% increase), though the group retained the lowest absolute rate in 2024.

By maternal age, rates increased across all age groups. In 2024, the rate was lowest for mothers younger than age 20 (10.2%) and for mothers aged 30 to 34 (10.1%), and highest for mothers aged 40 and older (12.2%). The largest relative increase from 2016 to 2024 occurred among mothers aged 25 to 29 (84%).

How did BMI, plurality, and state of residence affect rates?

The rate of gestational hypertension rose with increasing prepregnancy BMI in both 2016 and 2024. In 2024, the rate was 5.5% for mothers who were underweight, 6.8% for those with normal weight, 10.0% for those who were overweight, and 15.4% for those with obesity. From 2016 to 2024, the largest relative increase occurred in underweight mothers (104%).

By plurality, the rate of gestational hypertension was nearly twice as high for mothers with a twin or higher-order multiple birth (17.0%) compared with singleton births (10.2%) in 2024, a pattern consistent with 2016.

Geographic variation was substantial. In 2024, the rate was lowest in New Jersey (6.9%) and highest in Louisiana (14.6%). 9 states and the District of Columbia had rates below 9.0%, while 8 states had rates of 13.0% or higher. The largest relative increase from 2016 to 2024 occurred in Hawaii (144%), while the smallest was in Idaho (21%). All 50 states and the District of Columbia experienced statistically significant increases.

What are the key limitations of the data?

The primary limitation of the report is underreporting of gestational hypertension on the birth certificate. Studies from two states examining data from the 2003 birth certificate revision found low sensitivity (20.0% to 50.0%) and moderate to high false discovery rates (30.0% to 38.5%) for gestational hypertension. Additionally, NCHS routine quality review has identified instances of large hospitals reporting fewer than expected gestational hypertension cases, suggesting systemic underreporting at the facility level. The report also notes that current birth certificate definitions of prepregnancy and gestational hypertension as mutually exclusive categories may complicate accurate reporting of conditions such as chronic hypertension with superimposed preeclampsia.

Reference:

Gregory E. Trends and characteristics in gestational hypertension: United States, 2016-2024. National Vital Statistics Reports. CDC. Published July 29, 2026. Accessed September 29, 2026. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nvsr/nvsr75/nvsr75-04.pdf