WHO Develops Guidelines for Pregnant Women with Non-Communicable Diseases

The burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is increasingly affecting pregnant women worldwide. Conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart problems may either exist before pregnancy or develop during this critical period. In response, the World Health Organisation (WHO) is formulating new guidelines aimed at improving care for pregnant and postpartum women with NCDs.

According to the WHO, NCDs are emerging as a significant contributor to poor health among women of reproductive age, and they are linked to increased morbidity and mortality during pregnancy and childbirth. This growing concern is particularly evident in low- and middle-income countries, where the majority of maternal deaths occur and where NCDs contribute substantially to poor health outcomes.

Recent evidence from WHO indicates a disturbing trend in the causes of maternal deaths. Indirect causes—many tied to NCDs—now constitute approximately 23 per cent of maternal mortality globally, positioning them as the second leading cause after haemorrhage. These abnormalities can lead to serious complications, including pre-eclampsia, premature births, and babies with abnormal growth rates for their gestational age. Additionally, such conditions can result in a higher incidence of caesarean sections.

For instance, obesity and high blood pressure during pregnancy are known to increase the likelihood of gestational diabetes and hypertensive disorders. These complications often lead to greater rates of caesarean deliveries and issues such as macrosomia in newborns, necessitating neonatal intensive care.

The impact of NCDs extends beyond the pregnancy period, with women experiencing these conditions facing an increased risk of long-term chronic diseases, particularly cardiovascular disorders. Furthermore, there is evidence suggesting that children born to mothers with NCDs are at an elevated risk of developing obesity and other NCDs later in life.

In 2025, WHO initially launched guidelines focusing on managing specific conditions like sickle cell anaemia and diabetes during pregnancy. Despite this, the implementation of these recommendations remains challenging, particularly in low- and middle-income nations where medical specialists, such as maternal-fetal medicine experts or endocrinologists, are often scarce.

To address these issues, WHO is convening an expert meeting on June 30 to discuss effective integration of NCD care during pregnancy. This gathering aims to create practical and implementable tools derived from the new guidelines that can be adapted to fit varying health system realities. The discussions will also aim to facilitate the dissemination of new clinical guidelines concerning maternal and perinatal health and NCDs, promoting continuity of care across the lifespan.

The WHO stresses the importance of ensuring that antenatal care, which often serves as women's initial interaction with healthcare systems, leads to high-quality care for NCDs. The organisation acknowledges that managing these conditions within maternal health services can be difficult, both in low- and middle-income countries as well as in wealthier nations.