Although it’s usually a happy time in a woman’s life, pregnancy is not without its risks. You may have a high-risk pregnancy due to a physical condition or illness you had before you got pregnant or you may develop a condition during your pregnancy, such as gestational diabetes. A doctor should monitor you often during pregnancy to keep risk factors under control.

Pre-existing Conditions

If you had hypertension, kidney problems, a sexually transmitted disease or diabetes before becoming pregnant, these conditions can become worse during pregnancy, in some cases putting the fetus at risk. Work with your doctor to get a condition such as high blood pressure under control at the start of your pregnancy or, preferably, before you become pregnant. Uncontrolled chronic hypertension, with a blood pressure over 140/90, can result in harm to the fetus including premature birth, placental abruption or a stillborn baby, according to Baby Center. High blood-sugar levels that result from uncontrolled diabetes or gestational diabetes can damage a fetus’s developing organs, according to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse.

Age

Extreme youth, under age 15 or older, or age, over age 35, make a high-risk pregnancy more likely. Very young and older women are both at an increased risk for preeclampsia, a dangerous rise in blood pressure and protein in the urine that occurs after 20 weeks. This can lead to placental abruption or can cut off the flow of blood to the baby if untreated. Very young motherhood also increases a woman’s risk of giving birth early or of giving birth to a small baby. Women over age 35 are more likely to develop gestational diabetes or have a baby with chromosomal abnormalities, according to the Merck Manual.

Carrying Multiples

Carrying more than one fetus during pregnancy increases a woman’s risk of developing conditions such as preeclampsia or gestational diabetes. The babies are more likely to be delivered early, which increases their risk for health problems such as low blood pressure or respiratory problems. developmental problems. A mother carrying more than one baby may need to go on bed rest and should see her doctor frequently for prenatal check-ups.