Study identifies low grip strength in early pregnancy as significant risk factor for hypertensive disorders

New research links lower grip strength in early pregnancy to higher HDP risk. Learn how muscle strength serves as a vital marker for maternal health outcomes.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 25, 2026, 7:55 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from EurekAlert!

The Predictive Power of Physical Vitality

New clinical research suggests that a simple measure of muscle strength in the early stages of pregnancy may serve as a critical early warning sign for maternal complications. Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, or HDP, remain a primary cause of maternal mortality and can lead to severe outcomes such as preterm birth and restricted fetal growth. According to data published in the Chinese Medical Journal, physical markers like grip strength, which are already used to assess cardiovascular risk in the general population, offer a non-invasive method to identify high-risk pregnancies before traditional symptoms manifest.

Measuring Strength Against Body Mass

The study, led by Professor An Pan and Dr. Yuxiang Wang, analyzed data from the Tongji–Huaxi–Shuangliu Birth Cohort, involving 6,802 participants with an average age of 26.6 years. Researchers utilized three distinct metrics: absolute grip strength and two relative indices that normalized the data against body weight or Body Mass Index. The findings indicated that while absolute strength is often higher in individuals with greater body mass, the protective effects of muscle may be masked by the inherent risks of excess weight. Consequently, relative grip strength emerged as a more consistent and linear indicator of health than raw power.

Statistical Evidence of Risk Reduction

When the participants were divided into quartiles based on their strength levels, the reduction in HDP risk was substantial among those in the highest tiers. According to the research team, women in the fourth quartile of absolute grip strength exhibited an odds ratio of 0.35 compared to those in the lowest quartile, representing a significant decrease in risk. These patterns remained robust even after researchers adjusted for variables such as age, physical activity levels, and whether the woman had given birth before, suggesting that muscle quality is an independent factor in pregnancy outcomes.