New study shows it's safe to treat pregnant women for mild chronic hypertension

MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) -- A new study shows treating pregnant women for mildly elevated blood pressure can lead to better birth outcomes, according to a UW Health press release.

UW Health said the Chronic Hypertension and Pregnancy (CHAP) study found treating pregnant women with mild chronic hypertension is safe for both the mother and baby.

Chronic hypertension is also known as high blood pressure. 

About 2,400 pregnant women with mild chronic hypertension were separated into two groups. One group received no medication. The other group was treated with standard hypertension medication.

The study said researchers found that the women who received the medication had less of a chance of developing serious conditions, including pre-eclampsia, placental abruption and death. 

The current standard of care treats pregnant women for high blood pressure.

Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at UW School of Medicine and Public Health Dr. Kara Hoppe predicts this study could change the current standard of care. 

“This is important additional evidence that treating chronic hypertension at a lower threshold leads to better outcomes for the mothers, and subsequently, their babies,’’ Hoppe said. “It also tells us that this treatment is safe for women.”

This study included patients at UW Health.