WHO to strengthen care for pregnant women living with non-communicable diseases

The World Health Organisation (WHO) is developing new recommendations to improve healthcare for pregnant and postpartum women living with non-communicable diseases (NCDs). These include conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, and other long-term health problems that can affect women before or during pregnancy

WHO said that NCDs are becoming a major health concern among women of reproductive age worldwide. More pregnancies are now affected by these conditions, which are increasingly contributing to illness and death during pregnancy and childbirth. Health experts believe better management of NCDs is necessary to protect both mothers and babies.

The burden is especially high in low and middle income countries, where most maternal deaths occur. According to WHO, indirect causes linked to NCDs now account for around 23% of maternal deaths globally, making them the second leading cause of maternal mortality after severe bleeding, also known as haemorrhage.

These diseases can lead to several serious pregnancy complications. Women with diabetes, obesity, or high blood pressure are at greater risk of developing conditions such as pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, and hypertensive disorders. 

NCDs can also affect the health of newborn babies. Babies born to mothers with these conditions may arrive prematurely, be smaller or larger than expected for their gestational age, or require treatment in neonatal intensive care units. Obesity and high blood pressure during pregnancy are also linked to complications such as macrosomia, where babies are born with a higher-than-normal birth weight. The effects of NCDs often continue long after childbirth. Women who experience these conditions during pregnancy face a higher risk of developing long-term cardiovascular diseases and other chronic health problems. 

In 2025, WHO released its first guidelines focusing on the management of diabetes and sickle cell anaemia during pregnancy. However, the organisation says many challenges remain in putting these recommendations into practice, especially in countries where there is a shortage of specialists such as endocrinologists and maternal-fetal medicine experts.

To address these issues, WHO will hold a virtual expert convening on NCD care integration during pregnancy on June 30, 2026. The meeting aims to ensure that WHO’s healthcare tools and recommendations are practical, easy to implement, and suitable for different healthcare systems.

WHO has invited the public to review the experts and stakeholders involved in the meeting and provide feedback if they believe any member has a significant conflict of interest. The organisation said all selected experts have submitted declarations of interest and have undergone internal review processes to ensure transparency and credibility.