Pro-inflammatory markers, such as high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), have been associated with cardiovascular disease risk in the general population, as well as with adverse pregnancy outcomes (e.g., preterm birth) among pregnant individuals. Individuals who begin their pregnancies with body mass index (BMI)≥25 kg/m2 may be more likely to experience systemic inflammation and therefore at higher risk of poor cardiovascular outcomes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between hs-CRP and cardiovascular health (CVH) early in pregnancy among individuals with pre-pregnancy BMI≥25. Identifying this association early on may allow for early interventions to mitigate cardiovascular risk, improving both maternal and fetal outcomes in this high-risk population. Participants (N=285; Mage=31.05±4.95) with pre-pregnancy BMI≥25 (M=31.93±5.93) were recruited at 12-20 weeks' gestation (M=13.59±2.7) for a randomized trial of a lifestyle intervention during the perinatal period. Data for the current study were drawn from the baseline assessment prior to randomization, during which participants underwent a fasting blood draw to obtain concentrations of hs-CRP and completed measures of CVH. Hemoglobin A1c, non-high density lipoprotein cholesterol, and current BMI were coded according to the American Heart Association’s Life’s Essential 8 guidelines to calculate a composite CVH score (range: 0-100, higher scores = better CVH). Robust linear regression was performed using the MASS package in R to test the relationship between hs-CRP and CVH score while accounting for potential outliers. Age, racial identity, education, and gestational age at baseline were included as covariates. Mean CVH scores were 73.41 (SD=13.39, range: 33-90), considered to be in the intermediate range. Higher hs-CRP concentrations were associated with lower CVH scores (β=-0.23, p<.01). Individuals with hs-CRP >1SD above the mean had CVH scores 9.45 points lower than those with hs-CRP concentrations <1SD below the mean (MCVH=70.36±10.72 vs. 79.81±10.95). These cross-sectional findings suggest that elevated hs-CRP is associated with poorer CVH during pregnancy among individuals with pre-pregnancy BMI≥25. Additional longitudinal research is needed to evaluate the direction of this effect and whether the relationship between inflammation and CVH changes across pregnancy and postpartum period, particularly among this high-risk population.