High-Risk Pregnancy
A high-risk pregnancy is one in which the mother or her fetus
is at increased risk for health problems. The determination of a high-risk
pregnancy is based on the mother's current health status, age, and pregnancy
history, as well as the presence of a genetic disorder in either parent.
Specifically, a pregnancy is considered high risk when a woman:
- Has a genetic disease (such as cystic
fibrosis), chronic disease (such as diabetes), chronic infection (such as HIV),
brain disorder (such as epilepsy), heart problems or high blood
pressure.
- Is overweight or underweight.
- Is younger than 17 or older than 35.
- Has had problems
with previous pregnancies, such as repeated miscarriages, preterm labor,
gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, or difficult births.
- Has an
abnormality detected during the pregnancy.
- Has multiple pregnancy
(twins or triplets).
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