05/22/2026
Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDPs) complicate 5-10% of all pregnancies worldwide. They include: preeclampsia (with or without severe features), eclampsia (seizures), HELLP syndrome (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelets), and gestational hypertension.[i]
Preeclampsia is most often characterized by a rapid rise in blood pressure that can lead to seizure, stroke, multiple organ failure, and death of the mother and/or baby.
HDPs are a leading cause of maternal and infant death worldwide[ii], with the majority of these deaths happening in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
Approximately 76,000 women and 500,000 babies die each year worldwide.[iii]
The United States currently ranks 47th worldwide for maternal mortality, and is the only industrialized nation with a rising maternal mortality rate.[iv]
HDPs, including preeclampsia, are a leading cause of maternal and infant illness and death here in the United States.[v]
Black women experience severe maternal morbidity events at a rate 2.1 times greater than white women.[vi]
60% of hypertension-related maternal deaths are potentially preventable -- there continue to be missed opportunities for appropriate, recommended care of severe maternal hypertension.[xvii]