High blood pressure during pregnancy rises, contributing to U.S. maternal mortality rates

High blood pressure during pregnancy is increasingly common in the U.S., contributing to rising maternal mortality rates. Recent studies show that diagnoses of both new and chronic high blood pressure have roughly doubled since 2007, partly due to improved testing. In response, medical guidelines have been updated to lower the treatment threshold for high blood pressure in pregnant patients. Some states, like Montana, have begun implementing these guidelines, resulting in more timely care at hospitals. Despite these efforts, challenges remain in consistently applying best practices. Many hospitals are still working to improve monitoring and treatment protocols to better protect pregnant individuals from complications related to high blood pressure.