Children who experienced health complications during pregnancy – such as obesity, high blood pressure, or gestational diabetes – can withstand a high risk of growing high blood pressure during childhood and adolescence, according to a new study published on 8 May at the Jama Network Open.

The study, which examined the data of about 30 years from about 12,500 maternal and children across the United States, found that even a pregnancy-related risk factor could lead to a noticeable increase in the baby’s blood pressure between 2 and 18 years of age.

Researchers reported that about 44 percent of mothers had one of the three conditions during pregnancy. Among them, maternal obesity was the most common, which affected almost one in four women. High blood pressure disorders were present in about 14 percent, while about 7 percent of mothers had pregnancy diabetes.

The findings showed that the average blood pressure readings in children with one of the at least one of these conditions had average blood pressure reading – about 4.9 points more for systolic (pressure during heartbeat) and diastolic (pressure between beats) 1.9 points for readings. Children coming in contact with two maternal risk factors found even greater increase. For example, people born for mothers with high blood pressure disorders scored 7.3 points more systolic and 4 points more diastolic high marks.

Additionally, these children showed a rapid increase in blood pressure over time. Cystolic pressure rose by about 0.5 points per year, and diastolic an average increased by 0.7 points per year. The study also states that girls and black children were more likely to experience these trends on top than boys and children of other racial and ethnic groups.

Researchers emphasized that early intervention during pregnancy and childhood could play an important role in preventing future health problems. He also highlighted a possible difference in current pediatric health guidelines, often not recommended regular blood pressure screening for children that appear to be otherwise healthy.

The lead authors of the study suggest that these findings ask for revaluation of early monitoring practices, especially for children whose mothers experienced complications during pregnancy. Even at a young age there is a slight increase in blood pressure, they take caution, proceed over time and increase the risk of heart disease later in life.

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