New data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show gestational hypertension continues to rise across the United States, affecting 1 in 10 births in 2024.¹

The findings reinforce the importance of supporting maternal health through early risk identification, coordinated care, and approaches that help improve outcomes for mothers and babies.

What providers should know

• More mothers are experiencing gestational hypertension. In 2024, the condition affected approximately 1 in 10 births nationwide, up from 1 in 17 in 2016.
• The increase is being seen across the country. While some states reported rates below 9%, others exceeded 13%, underscoring differences in maternal health outcomes across the country. Despite this variation, every state experienced an increase in gestational hypertension rates between 2016 and 2024.
• Certain populations remain disproportionately affected. Rates were highest among American Indian and Alaska Native mothers, Black mothers, women age 40 and older, and mothers with obesity or multiple pregnancies.
• Maternal health outcomes are closely connected. Gestational hypertension is associated with serious risks for both mothers and infants, making continued attention to maternal health an important focus area.
• The data highlight an opportunity to continue advancing maternal health. Across the health care ecosystem, efforts to support healthy pregnancies and improve outcomes remain important for mothers, babies, and communities.

Gestational hypertension can affect the health of both mothers and babies and is one of several hypertensive disorders that contribute to maternal health complications. Research has linked these conditions to adverse outcomes including preterm birth, low birthweight, and future cardiovascular risks.

“As a physician and as someone who experienced a serious hypertension complication during pregnancy- I know how important it is to recognize risks early and ensure mothers receive the right support throughout pregnancy,” said Dr. Angela Flippin-Trainer, Medical Director, Total Health & Wellness and Supplemental Health, Cigna Healthcare. “Reports like this deepen our understanding of the factors affecting mothers and infants across the country and reinforce the need for continued efforts to support healthy pregnancies and improve maternal health outcomes.”

As maternal health continues to be a focus area nationwide, the findings provide additional insight into the growing prevalence of pregnancy-related hypertension and the populations most affected.

Resource for your eligible patients

• Cigna Healthy Pregnancy® app: This free app provides education, symptom tracking, and guided next steps for patients during pregnancy to help patients actively manage their pregnancies and keep themselves and their babies as healthy as possible. Through the app, patients can also make virtual or in-person appointments with in-network lactation consultants at no cost to the patients.

Related maternal health resources from Cigna Healthcare:

• Improving first-trimester prenatal care initiation among racial and ethnic groups: Explore strategies for helping patients access care earlier in pregnancy and stay engaged throughout their care journey.
• Tips for enhancing women’s health care experiences: Learn about strategies to support women’s physical, mental, and reproductive health needs across the lifespan.
• A new age in women’s health care puts the reproductive journey in the spotlight: Gain insights into how providers, researchers, and health plans are taking a more comprehensive view of women’s health across the reproductive journey.

1. Gregory, Elizabeth C. W. Trends and Characteristics in Gestational Hypertension: United States, 2016-2024. National Vital Statistics Reports. Vol 75, No. 4. National Center for Health Statistics; July 29, 2026. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nvsr/nvsr75/nvsr75-04.pdf