A high-risk pregnancy means that you or your baby has a greater chance of health problems. Things that may make your pregnancy high-risk include your current health, your age, and your pregnancy history. A genetic problem in either parent can also make a pregnancy high-risk.
Your pregnancy is high-risk if you:
- Have 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.
- Are overweight or underweight.
- Are younger than 17 or older than 35.
- Have had problems with previous pregnancies, such as repeated miscarriages, preterm labor, gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, or difficult births.
- Have an abnormality detected during your pregnancy.
- Have a multiple pregnancy (twins or more).
