Definition

A high risk pregnancy is one in which some condition puts the mother, the developing fetus, or both at higher-than-normal risk for complications during or after the pregnancy and birth.

In general, a pregnancy may be considered high risk if the pregnant woman :

• is 35 years old or older
• is 15 years old or younger
• is underweight or overweight prior to becoming pregnant
• is pregnant with more than one fetus
• has gestational diabetes
• has gone into premature labor
• has had a premature baby
• has had a baby with a birth defect, especially heart or genetic problems
• has high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, lupus, asthma, a seizure disorder, or another longstanding medical problem