Maternal Hypertension and Its Impact on Brain Development in Preterm Infants

A recent study conducted by researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center has revealed significant insights into how maternal high blood pressure conditions during pregnancy, such as preeclampsia, gestational hypertension, and chronic hypertension, can influence the neurodevelopment of preterm infants. The investigation focused on over 340 preterm babies cared for across five Ohio neonatal intensive care units, examining the relationship between maternal hypertension and early brain anomalies alongside subsequent developmental outcomes.

Preeclampsia, affecting approximately 2% to 5% of pregnancies, involves dangerous high blood pressure levels that can lead to severe complications including kidney failure, stroke, and maternal or fetal mortality. Broader hypertensive disorders during pregnancy, impacting up to 15% of pregnancies, are linked with reduced blood flow to the placenta, oxygen deprivation, tissue inflammation, and oxidative stress—all factors contributing to potential brain injury in the infant.

The study, published in JAMA Network Open, found that preterm infants born to mothers with high blood pressure exhibited lower cognitive and language scores at age two. These deficits were notably pronounced among infants exposed to preeclampsia, regardless of other risk factors, and appeared to stem from early brain development irregularities. The findings underscore that even mild early impairments could escalate over time, especially without targeted intervention.

Experts suggest that early detection methods such as MRI brain scans, particularly assessing white matter integrity, can help identify infants at risk. These images may guide early intervention strategies like speech, occupational therapy, or enriched educational settings to improve long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes.

The research emphasizes the importance of closely monitoring pregnancies complicated by hypertension and highlights the need for integrating advanced neuroimaging into future clinical trials. Ultimately, prioritizing early diagnosis and intervention supports healthier developmental trajectories for preterm infants affected by maternal hypertensive disorders.

For further details, the full study can be accessed through the DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.7788. The ongoing Cincinnati Infant Neurodevelopment Early Prediction Study (CINEPS) continues to follow these children up to age seven, offering valuable insights into long-term outcomes.