Exercise Programs for Women at Increased Risk of or Diagnosed with Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy: A Scoping Review
By
Ruizhe Jiang
Li Shu
Fan Yang
Simin Huang
Xiangwu Li
Xinxin Ye
Qixi Liu
July 21, 2026
Clinical Scorecard: Exercise Programs for Women at Increased Risk of or Diagnosed with Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy: A Scoping Review
At a Glance
Category Detail
Condition Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy (HDP) Key Mechanisms Structured exercise interventions may improve blood pressure control and pregnancy outcomes. Target Population Pregnant women at high risk of or diagnosed with HDP. Care Setting Prenatal care settings.
Key Highlights
HDP affects over 10% of pregnant women and is a leading cause of maternal and fetal morbidity. Exercise interventions include aerobic exercise, resistance training, stretching, and yoga. Most studies reported improvements in blood pressure control and maternal psychological well-being. Current evidence is limited by heterogeneity in exercise prescription parameters. Safety monitoring and adherence reporting were inadequately addressed in studies. Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
Hypertensive disorders are characterized by new-onset hypertension after 20 weeks of gestation. Management
Management approaches include pharmacological therapy, nutritional supplementation, and lifestyle modifications. Monitoring & Follow-up
Exercise intensity and safety monitoring should be clearly defined and operationalized. Risks
Established risk factors for HDP include advanced maternal age, chronic comorbidities, and history of HDP. Patient & Prescribing Data
Women at high risk of or diagnosed with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.
Exercise is a cost-effective strategy relevant to blood pressure regulation and overall health.
Clinical Best Practices
Adopt rigorous study designs in future trials. Clearly define and monitor exercise intensity. Include safety, adherence, and clinically meaningful outcomes in studies. Related Resources & Content
