A Troubling Gen Z Trend
A new study shows that millennials and Gen Z are more likely to develop hypertension while pregnant
The field of obstetrics has advanced greatly over the last 50 years, including prenatal care that involves various screenings for complications of pregnancy. But one aspect of prenatal care—controlling high blood pressure—has become a more prevalent need among new moms than ever before. High blood pressure in pregnancy, known as gestational hypertension, has become more common in women currently of child-bearing age. In fact, a recent study published online in the Journal of the American Medical Association showed that women in the millennial and Gen Z age group were twice as likely as previous generations to develop gestational hypertension.
“We have the testing ability and the criteria to diagnose gestational hypertension, and we know how to help pregnant women manage it,” explains Andres Montes, MD, with SJ/C Physician Network – OB/GYN. “But what we don’t know yet is the exact cause. Similarly, we don’t know for certain why it appears to be more prevalent in these younger generations.”
Other studies in lifestyle trends have demonstrated that people are generally less active and not eating as healthily as they did 40 to 50 years ago. Though a direct link hasn’t been established, the rise in obesity rates may be a factor.
“There is an obesity epidemic in this country, including among younger folks,” Dr. Montes says. “We do know that obesity and co-morbidities such as diabetes will put you at an increased risk for gestational hypertension. Is that the cause of the general increase of this condition among Gen Z women? That we cannot say for sure.”
It’s crucial for your OB/GYN to diagnose and manage gestational hypertension because it can increase the risk of preeclampsia, a serious complication of pregnancy that can cause organ damage and, in some cases, can even be fatal. If Dr. Montes sees a rise in blood pressure in the 20th week or later of your pregnancy, he will first investigate your symptoms to rule out preeclampsia. Then he will help you manage your gestational hypertension through extensive monitoring. Delivery is always at 37 weeks for moms with gestational hypertension. This is necessary due to risk of preeclampsia, increased maternal morbidity and mortality, and increased risk to the fetus, including stillbirth.
“Although we may not know why this condition is becoming more common among millennial and Gen Z woman, we do know how to help you manage it,” Dr. Montes says. “As physicians, we have national guidelines for helping moms have the safest pregnancy possible. We will do what’s best for you and your baby.”