High Risk Pregnancy Conditions
A high risk pregnancy occurs when a condition makes you and your baby more likely to experience serious problems during gestation. Although certain factors increase your likelihood of developing a high risk pregnancy, you can take measures to minimize some of your risk, in certain situations.
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Effects
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A high risk pregnancy typically involves a greater chance of developing serious pregnancy complications, and an increased risk of sickness or mortality for the mother or baby.
Medical History
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Certain chronic health conditions that you have before conceiving can make you more likely to experience high risk pregnancy complications. These conditions include kidney problems, heart disease, diabetes and cancer, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
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Conditions That Develop
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Non-pregnancy related health conditions that develop during gestation can also make a pregnancy high risk; examples include conditions that cause a high fever or serious infections, and those that require abdominal surgery, according to the Merck Medical Manual.
Pregnancy Complications
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Some serious disorders that occur during gestation as a result of pregnancy (pregnancy complications) are considered high risk pregnancy conditions, including preeclampsia, gestational diabetes and preterm labor (labor before 37 weeks of pregnancy).
Risk Factors
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According to the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, certain risk factors make you more likely to experience a high risk pregnancy condition, including your age (very young or old), your weight (underweight or overweight), and a history of problems in previous pregnancies.
Prevention/Solution
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In order to minimize your chances of developing high risk pregnancy complications, be sure to take a daily prenatal vitamin if you may become pregnant, the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development recommends eating a healthy diet and avoiding cigarette smoke, alcohol and drugs.
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