High Prevalence of Gestational Hypertension and Diabetes: Risk Factors and Dietary Patterns

(1)Background: Gestational hypertension and diabetes are global public health issues, significantly contributing to maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Aims: to assess the prevalence and risk factors of gestational hypertension and to determine diabetes rates among pregnant women that attending primary health centers and maternity hospitals in Sulaimani city. (2) Methods: Quantitative design, cross-sectional, descriptive study conducted on 452 pregnant women in two primary health care centers and one hospital during the period from 13 January to 10 March 2025. The data was collected through direct interviews and analyzed by SPSS version 26. (3) Results: Participants were stratified into three age groups: 18–25 years (14.4% normotensive, 3.8% with hypertension, 4.2% with diabetes, 1.8% with both conditions), 25–35 years (35.4% normotensive, 6.1% with hypertension, 7.8% with diabetes, 2.7% with both), and 35 years or older (10.2% normotensive, 4.4% with hypertension, 5.0% with diabetes, 4.2% with both). Advanced maternal age was associated with a higher prevalence of complications, particularly coexisting hypertension and diabetes (4.2% in women aged 35 or older versus 1.8% in those aged 18–25). Only 48.7% of normotensive and non-diabetic pregnant women attended regular antenatal visits. 12.7% of normotensive women engaging in exercise, compared to 3.8% or fewer in complicated pregnancies. Additionally, family history played a significant role: 17.2% of normotensive women had a family of hypertension history, while 18.6% had a family of diabetes history. Women with both hypertension and diabetes, 3.8% had a familial predisposition to both disorders. Dietary analysis revealed frequent consumption of fruits and vegetables (42–44%) but also excessive intake of fast food (28.6% daily) and refined carbohydrates (approximately 52% daily or weekly). Stress levels were highest in normotensive women (43%). (4) Conclusion: Advanced maternal age, poor antenatal care attendance, sedentary lifestyle, and unhealthy dietary patterns significantly increase the risk of gestational hypertension and diabetes.