A high-risk pregnancy refers to a gestation period in which the health of both the mother and fetus is compromised, requiring specialized care. Several factors contribute to an elevated risk profile during pregnancy. Maternal age plays a significant role, with women younger than 17 or older than 35 being at higher risk due to potential complications such as preterm labor or chromosomal abnormalities. Medical conditions like diabetes, hypertension, or heart disease can complicate pregnancy and increase the chances of developing gestational diabetes or preeclampsia. Multiple pregnancies also fall into the high-risk category due to inherent complexities associated with carrying twins or triplets. Prior history of miscarriages, preterm birth, or certain genetic disorders further heighten the risk level. Lifestyle choices including smoking, drug abuse, and excessive alcohol consumption also have detrimental effects on fetal development. Finally, inadequate prenatal care and poor understanding of self-care practices can adversely affect pregnancy outcomes.
