Although as of 2004 there was no formal or universally accepted definition of a "high-risk" pregnancy, it is generally thought of as one in which the mother or the developing fetus has a condition that places one or both of them at a higher-than-normal-risk for complications, either during the pregnancy (antepartum), during delivery (intrapartum), or following the birth (postpartum).
Description
Certain conditions, called risk factors, make a pregnancy high risk. Maternal conditions can be identified with preconception counseling and from the maternal history. Maternal physical and social characteristics that can contribute to a high-risk pregnancy include:
- age younger than 15 years and older than 35 years
- pre-pregnancy weight under 100 lbs (45 kg) or obesity
- height under 5 ft (1.5 m)
- incompetent cervix
- uterine malformations
- small pelvis
- being a single woman
- being a smoker
- using illicit drugs
- having no access to early prenatal care
- using alcohol
- having low socioeconomic status
Treatment
Treatment varies widely with the type of disease, the effect that pregnancy has on the disease, and the effect that the disease has on pregnancy. If it is the fetus that has a problem, serial ultrasounds may be performed. Fetal heart rate monitoring may be necessary, or amniocentesis may be required. In addition, it may be essential to give the mother medications to act on the baby.
