Daily Movement Patterns Significantly Predict Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy, Study Finds
A new study presented at the American Heart Association's 2026 Scientific Sessions indicates that daily movement patterns, specifically sedentary behavior and light-intensity physical activity, are significant predictors of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP). The research suggests an optimal daily composition of movement and sleep is associated with a reduced risk of conditions like gestational hypertension and preeclampsia.
An optimal daily composition of movement and sleep is associated with a reduced risk of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.
Research Overview
The study, led by Kara Whitaker, Ph.D., M.P.H., from the University of Iowa, aimed to identify optimal 24-hour behavioral compositions across pregnancy trimesters that are associated with the lowest risk for HDP.
Researchers enrolled 500 pregnant women, with 470 participants providing complete data. Women, aged 18 to 45, were tracked from their first trimester through six weeks postpartum. Activity monitors were used to meticulously quantify time spent sitting, moving, exercising, and resting in each trimester.
Key Findings
Out of the 470 participants with complete data, 87 individuals (18.6 percent) developed hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), which include gestational hypertension and preeclampsia.
Sedentary behavior and light-intensity physical activity were found to be more significant predictors of HDP risk than formal exercise alone.
Across all trimesters, sedentary behavior and light-intensity physical activity were identified as the primary predictors of HDP risk. These daily patterns of sitting and light activity were found to be more significant predictors of risk than formal exercise alone.
An optimal daily composition of movement and sleep was found to be associated with a 7.7 percent HDP risk. This composition included approximately:
- 6.0 hours of sedentary behavior
- 7.9 hours of light-intensity physical activity
- 4.0 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity
- 10.1 hours of sleep
This optimal composition was linked to a 54 percent reduction in risk compared to the median composition (16.9 percent risk) and a 78 percent reduction compared to the worst composition (34.7 percent risk).
The risk for HDP was observed to increase among women reporting more than 10 hours per day of sedentary behavior or less than five hours per day of light-intensity physical activity.
Implications
Researchers suggest that these findings indicate everyday movement and limiting prolonged periods of sitting may play a more significant role in preventing hypertensive disorders of pregnancy than previously understood. The study's findings do not negate the benefits of traditional exercise but emphasize the importance of consistent movement throughout the day, beyond structured exercise.
Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy affect an estimated 5 to 10 percent of pregnancies and can potentially lead to complications such as preterm birth, low birth weight, and severe, life-threatening conditions. The American Heart Association notes that these conditions can also increase long-term cardiovascular risks for women.
The results may contribute to future guidelines for physical activity during pregnancy, offering practical strategies to improve maternal and long-term heart health.
The results of this study may contribute to future guidelines for physical activity during pregnancy, potentially offering practical strategies to improve maternal and long-term heart health.