What is considered a high-risk pregnancy?

A high-risk pregnancy is a pregnancy with medical, surgical, or other issues that could put the fetus, the pregnancy and/or the mother at risk. It includes:

1. A woman who is more likely than usual to become sick or die
2. A fetus or baby that is more likely than usual to become sick or die 
3. Medical, surgical, or other complications during pregnancy, before or after delivery which has a higher risk to occur than usual.
4. Older women (usually 35+ years)
5. Women with prior complications
6. Women becoming pregnant with reproductive technology (eg IVF)

Many women with high-risk pregnancies can continue and see their regular Ob-Gyns, others may need to get care from a special team of doctors such as Maternal-Fetal Medicine Ob-Gyns (high-risk obstetricians) to ensure that their pregnancies are healthy and that they have a healthy pregnancy outcome.

Top high-risk pregnancy complications

1. Miscarriage/Pregnancy Loss
2. Ectopic Pregnancy
3. High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
4. Gestational Diabetes
5. Preeclampsia
6. Premature/Preterm Labor
7. Hyperemesis Gravidarum/Severe Nausea and Vomiting
8. Anemia
9. Infections and Sexually Transmitted Diseases
10. Birth Defects
11. Multiples
12. Asthma
13. Diabetes
14. Collagen-vascular Diseases
15. Sickle Cell Anemia
16. Drug Abuse
17. Kidney Problems
18. Lung Disease
19. Heart Disease
20. Seizure Disorders
21. Acute Fever
22. Significant Anemia
23. Tokophobia - Fear of Getting Pregnant and Pregnancy
24. Bed Rest - Do You Need It?