It may feel like “preeclampsia” has recently become a prominent buzzword in every pregnancy conversation. You have probably seen the topic mentioned in the news, articles, podcasts, or blogs—and for a good reason. The United States is currently facing a maternal health crisis, with rising rates of pregnancy complications, including preeclampsia. This potentially life-threatening condition affects more and more mothers, babies, and families every year.
Preeclampsia currently affects 1 in 12 pregnancies in the United States, a number which has been steadily increasing over the past two decades. And if that sounds shocking to you, you are not alone. While today, we know more about preeclampsia than ever before, there is still so much to learn. Continue reading as we break down what the "1 in 12" statistic really means and, most importantly, how this information can help you take action for your healthiest pregnancy possible.
What is preeclampsia, and how is it caused?
Preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication characterized by dangerously high blood pressure that can lead to serious outcomes for the mom and baby, including restricted fetal growth, preterm birth, NICU or prolonged hospital stays, maternal seizures, organ damage, and other life-threatening conditions with lifelong impacts. While preeclampsia typically occurs after the 20th week of pregnancy, it can strike at any time, even if your pregnancy seems “healthy” right now.
For many women, preeclampsia develops silently, with no visible symptoms, making prevention and quick intervention so difficult. When symptoms do appear, they can range from mild—such as swelling or headaches—to severe, including vision changes and difficulty breathing. And while the exact cause of preeclampsia is not fully understood, researchers are now using the Mirvie RNA Platform to reveal the underlying biology of this condition and predict the risk of its development months before symptoms appear.
How common is preeclampsia?
In the United States, preeclampsia now affects 1 in 12 pregnancies or about 8% of all pregnancies—double the rate of cases seen in 2008. The latest research paints a clear picture: U.S. preeclampsia rates have accelerated rapidly in recent years and are on track to surpass 10% in the near future.
An urgent and growing problem that demands attention
In 2023, a large and extensive study conducted by Fink et al. and published in The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) provided one of the most comprehensive reviews of pregnancy complications in the United States to date. The researchers analyzed data from over 11.6 million delivery-related hospitalizations between 2008 and 2021 to better understand trends and risk factors for delivery-related maternal deaths and severe maternal mortality.
This massive analysis offered the latest look at the alarming trends of U.S. preeclampsia rates. Of the more than 700,000 pregnancies and hospital discharges analyzed from 2021, there were over 58,000 cases of preeclampsia. Even more concerning, nearly 60% of these cases were classified as severe preeclampsia.
These numbers are more than just statistics—they are a call to action. As preeclampsia continues to rise, early risk assessment and preventive care become critical tools in managing its potentially devastating impacts. Even if you are considered low-risk, healthy, or have had a smooth pregnancy thus far, preeclampsia can develop suddenly and without warning.
Why is this so important?
Even as preeclampsia cases are on the rise, public awareness or perception has fallen behind. A quick Google search of “how common is preeclampsia” can result in a long list of differing answers, often citing lower estimates—even from respected organizations, like the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and March of Dimes. The NIH suggests that preeclampsia affects about 3.4% of pregnancies. Similarly, March of Dimes references an estimate of around 1 in 25 pregnancies, or roughly 4%, which is about half of what the most current research indicates. While these organizations have made significant impacts in raising awareness about pregnancy complications, they now have an opportunity to spotlight the latest data on preeclampsia for the benefit of all expecting parents.
On a global scale, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that the prevalence of preeclampsia ranges from 2% to 10%, depending on the region. With U.S. preeclampsia rates currently at 8% and only trending upwards, this global range legitimizes a reality where cases jump to 10% in the near future. The growing risk makes it more urgent than ever for women in the United States to have immediate access to accurate information and early screening tools.
Taking early action as preeclampsia rates rise
The increasing rate of U.S. preeclampsia cases is an issue we can not afford to ignore. 1 in 12 is not just a statistic but a reality facing so many families. Thankfully, we are living in a time when more research is being done, more resources are becoming available, and more efforts are being made to address maternal health challenges in the United States—from national initiatives to state-level programs. This growing awareness and commitment are reasons for expectant parents to have access to the tools and information they need to have healthier pregnancies.
Scientific breakthroughs, like the Encompass test, can help you know your pregnancy’s preeclampsia risk. Every test includes a preventive action plan based on your risk to help you take control of your pregnancy journey and stay ahead of preeclampsia. Staying informed, knowing your objective risk, and working closely with your healthcare provider all contribute to the safest and healthiest pregnancy possible for both you and your baby.
