Every pregnancy carries its share of risks, such as miscarriage, tubal pregnancy, and premature birth. In some cases, pregnancy poses danger for both the mother and fetus; these are high risk pregnancies, as the National Institutes of Health explains. Certain women have physical contributing factors, while others suffer from health conditions that make them candidates for high-risk pregnancy. Still others can control factors stemming from lifestyle choices.
Preeclampsia
Preeclampsia is a syndrome that includes complications like high blood pressure, changes in liver enzymes, and protein in the urine. This syndrome can affect the mother's brain, liver, and kidneys, but with treatment, most women can still give birth to healthy babies, as the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development explains. If treatment is not sought, preeclampsia can cause long-term health problems and prove fatal for both the mother and baby. Elampsia--a more severe form of preeclamsia--may cause the mother to have seizures or enter a coma.
Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that only affects pregnant women. Women who develop diabetes during pregnancy have never had diabetes in the past. Many expectant mothers are able to give birth to healthy babies by following a treatment plan their doctor prescribes, according to the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.
Age
Age affects both younger and older women. Girls age 15 and under face a greater risk of preeclampsia, anemia--low blood count--, and preterm labor. As Merck points out, they are also more likely to give birth to underweight babies and babies with anemia.
Women 35 and older face their own risks, which include gestational diabetes and preeclampsia. Chromosomal abnormalities are also possible, leading to conditions such as Down syndrome and stillbirth.
Weight
Women who are either underweight or overweight face their own risks. Women under 100 lbs. are more likely to give birth to smaller, underweight babies, while overweight women may have a difficult labor because their babies tend to be larger. Overweight women are at greater risk for gestational diabetes and preeclampsia, according to Merck.
Alcohol Consumption
A lifestyle choice, consuming alcohol during their pregnancy is a leading cause of preventable birth defects in a fetus. Everything a mother eats or drinks while pregnant goes to the fetus. Alcohol does not break down as quickly in the fetus, though, which can cause alcohol levels to stay high and remain in the fetus longer. The University of Virginia Health system explains that this can increase the chances of stillbirth and miscarriage.
