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Maternal hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are associated with increased offspring asthma riskMaternal Pregnancy High Blood Pressure Linked to Higher Asthma Risk

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Key Takeaway
Note that maternal hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are associated with increased offspring asthma risk.

This meta-analysis analyzed data from over three million mother-infant pairs to evaluate the relationship between maternal hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) and the risk of asthma in offspring. The analysis specifically examined HDP categories including preeclampsia and gestational hypertension.

The findings indicate a significant association for offspring of mothers with HDP, showing an effect size of 1.14 (95% CI: 1.07-1.21). Specifically, the risk of asthma was higher in offspring of mothers with preeclampsia (effect size 1.20; 95% CI: 1.12-1.28) and those with gestational hypertension (effect size 1.18; 95% CI: 1.02-1.36).

The authors noted high heterogeneity in some subgroups, particularly for gestational hypertension. While the data suggests an approximately 14-20% increased risk of asthma in offspring following maternal HDP, these results represent an association and do not establish a causal mechanism. Clinical implications suggest a need for targeted early-life monitoring for children whose mothers experienced hypertensive disorders during pregnancy.

How this fits prior evidence

This meta-analysis addresses a gap in understanding environmental and maternal factors influencing pediatric respiratory health. It complements existing evidence regarding asthma risk factors, such as the identification of specific predictors like tobacco exposure and baseline symptoms for intervention. While this study focuses on maternal history, other evidence highlights the role of the CXCL16/CXCR6 axis and alarmins IL-33 and TSLP in asthma pathogenesis.

A large-scale review of over three million mother and infant pairs looked at the link between maternal health and child health. The study specifically focused on mothers who experienced hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, which include conditions like preeclampsia and gestational hypertension.

The findings showed a significant association between these pregnancy conditions and an increased risk of asthma in their children. Specifically, infants born to mothers with preeclampsia or gestational hypertension showed higher rates of asthma compared to others. The data suggests the risk for offspring is approximately 14% to 20% higher when the mother has these conditions.

Because this study shows a link rather than a direct cause, it does not explain why this happens. However, the results suggest that early monitoring might be helpful for children born to mothers with high blood pressure during pregnancy. Talk to a healthcare provider to discuss what these findings mean for your specific family situation.

What this means for you:
Maternal high blood pressure during pregnancy is linked to an increased risk of asthma in offspring.

Common questions

Does high blood pressure during pregnancy cause asthma in babies?

The study found a significant association between maternal hypertension and asthma in offspring. However, this means there is a link between the two conditions rather than proof that one causes the other. The data shows an increased risk of about 14% to 20% for children born to mothers with these conditions.

Which specific pregnancy conditions are linked to asthma in children?

The study looked at hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, including preeclampsia and gestational hypertension. Both of these specific conditions showed a positive association with an increased risk of asthma in the offspring.

How much higher is the risk for infants born to mothers with high blood pressure?

The data indicates that children born to mothers with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy have an approximately 14% to 20% increased risk of asthma. This finding highlights the importance of monitoring these children early in life.

Study Details

Study typeMeta analysis
EvidenceLevel 1
PublishedJul 2026
View Original Abstract ↓
Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), including preeclampsia, gestational hypertension, and eclampsia, are common pregnancy complications that may have long-term consequences for offspring health. Emerging evidence suggests a potential link between maternal hypertension and childhood asthma, though findings remain inconsistent. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to synthesize the existing evidence on the association between HDP and asthma risk in offspring. A comprehensive search of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and EMBASE was conducted from database inception to 3 December 2024, restricted to peer-reviewed published studies. The eligibility criteria followed the PICOS framework. Observational studies (cohort, case–control, cross-sectional) assessing the association between HDP and asthma in offspring were included. Effect measures were converted to odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI), and a meta-analysis was performed using random- and fixed-effects models. Heterogeneity was assessed jointly with Cochran’s Q test (p  Twenty studies encompassing over three million mother–infant pairs were included. The pooled OR for asthma risk in offspring of mothers with HDP was 1.14 (95% CI: 1.07–1.21), indicating a significant association. Subgroup analyses revealed a positive association with both preeclampsia (OR: 1.20; 95% CI: 1.12–1.28) and gestational hypertension (OR: 1.18; 95% CI: 1.02–1.36). Heterogeneity was high in some subgroups, such as gestational hypertension (I2 = 92.6%; p  Maternal HDP is associated with an approximately 14–20% increased risk of asthma in offspring, highlighting the need for targeted early-life monitoring and intervention strategies. Further research is warranted to elucidate underlying mechanisms and optimize maternal–fetal health outcomes.
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