A high-risk pregnancy involves factors that increase the chances of health problems for the mother, fetus, or both compared to a typical pregnancy.
Maternal Health Conditions
Pre-existing issues like high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, obesity, autoimmune disorders, kidney disease, thyroid problems, HIV, or cancer elevate risks such as preeclampsia, low birth weight, or preterm birth.
Maternal Age and Lifestyle
Women aged 35 or older face higher chances of gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and chromosomal issues; lifestyle factors including smoking, alcohol use, drug use, or poor nutrition also contribute significantly.
Pregnancy and Fetal Factors
Conditions like multiples (twins or more), placenta previa, gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, ectopic pregnancy, prior preterm birth or miscarriage, or fetal abnormalities (e.g., genetic disorders like Down syndrome) classify a pregnancy as high-risk.
Prior History
Previous complications such as cesarean delivery, excessive bleeding, prolonged labor, or poor fetal growth increase vulnerability in subsequent pregnancies.