Study Links Daily Movement Patterns to Risk of Hypertensive Disorders in Pregnancy

"The total composition of movement across a 24-hour period is associated with risk levels, with specific daily allocations linked to lower rates of complications."

A New Look at Pregnancy Risks: How You Move Matters

A new study presented at the American Heart Association's Epidemiology and Prevention/Lifestyle and Cardiometabolic Health 2026 Scientific Sessions reveals that daily patterns of sedentary behavior and light-intensity physical activity are significant predictors of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP).

The research suggests that the total composition of movement across a 24-hour period is associated with risk levels, with specific daily allocations linked to lower rates of complications.

How the Study Was Conducted

The research, led by Kara Whitaker, Ph.D., M.P.H., from the University of Iowa, enrolled 500 pregnant women at less than 13 weeks of gestation. Out of 470 participants with complete data, 87 individuals (18.6 percent) developed HDP, which includes gestational hypertension and preeclampsia.

• Participants were aged 18 to 45.
• They were tracked from their first trimester through six weeks postpartum.
• Activity monitors were used to quantify time spent in:
  • Sedentary behavior
  • Light-intensity physical activity
  • Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity
  • Sleep

The Key Findings: The "Optimal" 24-Hour Day

Researchers analyzed the 24-hour behavioral compositions associated with the lowest risk for HDP. The optimal daily composition identified was associated with a 7.7 percent risk of developing HDP.

This composition included:

This optimal composition was linked to a lower risk compared to other patterns.

• The median composition was associated with a 16.9 percent risk.
• The composition associated with the highest risk was linked to a 34.7 percent risk.

Risk for HDP increased among women who reported more than 10 hours per day of sedentary behavior or less than five hours per day of light-intensity physical activity.

Across all trimesters, sedentary behavior and light-intensity physical activity were identified as the primary movement-related predictors of HDP risk.

What This Means for Pregnant Women

High blood pressure affects an estimated 5 to 10 percent of pregnancies, according to the American Heart Association. These conditions can be associated with complications including preterm birth, low birth weight, and increased long-term cardiovascular risks for women.

The researchers stated that these findings suggest everyday movement and limiting prolonged periods of sitting may play a role in preventing hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, without negating the benefits of traditional exercise. The results may inform future guidelines for physical activity during pregnancy.