Gestational Hypertension in Adolescent Mothers: A 2016-2022 Trend Analysis

Abstract

Hypertensive disorders in pregnancy (HDPs) significantly contribute to maternal and fetal complications, particularly in adolescent pregnancies. This study examines the prevalence and predictors of gestational hypertension (gHTN) among U.S. adolescents between 2016 and 2022, using data from the CDC's Birth Data Files. The analysis included various maternal factors, such as age, race, education, BMI, prenatal care, and participation in the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Nutritional Program. Logistic Regression and Random Forest models were employed to evaluate these predictors, with Random Forest showing superior predictive performance. The study found that gHTN prevalence increased from 6.72% in 2016 to 9.51% in 2022, with BMI, month prenatal visits began, WIC participation, and race emerging as key predictors. The findings highlight the importance of early prenatal care and targeted support for adolescents to manage gHTN, emphasizing the need for interventions that address modifiable risk factors such as BMI and access to nutritional programs. This research underscores the critical need for continued efforts to mitigate the rising trend of gHTN in adolescent pregnancies and improve maternal and fetal outcomes in this vulnerable population. Future studies should focus on identifying additional predictors and tailoring interventions to meet the unique needs of adolescent mothers.