A new study suggests that pregnant women can reduce their risk of developing hypertensive disorders, such as gestational hypertension and preeclampsia, by nearly 30% if they limit sedentary time to no more than eight hours a day and increase light physical activity to at least seven hours daily. The preliminary research was presented at the American Heart Association’s EPI|Lifestyle Scientific Sessions 2026 in Boston.
“Our study suggests that in the real world, where daily routines vary widely, it may actually be the balance of sitting time and light intensity movement across the entire day that matters most,” said lead study author Kara Whitaker, Ph.D., M.P.H., FAHA, an associate professor at the University of Iowa. “This doesn’t mean exercise isn’t beneficial - rather, that when it comes to hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, everyday movement and limiting long periods of sitting may play a bigger role than we previously understood.”
The study included 470 women from three U.S. cities, enrolled between 2021 and 2024, who wore monitors to measure sedentary behavior, sleep and physical activity across each trimester. Results showed that sedentary behaviors and light physical activity were the strongest predictors of hypertensive disorder risk. The optimal daily pattern included about six hours of sitting, nearly eight hours of light activity, four minutes of higher-intensity exercise, and roughly 10 hours of rest, associated with an 8% chance of developing hypertensive disorders compared to 16.9% in typical patterns.
High blood pressure develops in up to 5%-10% of all pregnancies and is the leading cause of fetal and maternal disease and death. According to the American Heart Association, adverse pregnancy conditions are linked to increased risk of future cardiovascular disease. The study aligns with the Life Essential 8 for Pregnancy recommendations, which encourage movement, adequate sleep, and healthy eating.
“This line of research could give patients and clinicians more practical, achievable ways to support healthier pregnancies,” Whitaker added. The researchers note that more studies are needed to confirm the findings and explore causal relationships, as the participants were mostly white and had higher education and income levels.
The study was funded by the National Institutes of Health and is considered preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed journal.
