Risk factors for high-risk pregnancy

[Sonia]

Some risk factors are present before women become pregnant. These risk factors include

Certain physical characteristics and social characteristics of women
Problems in a previous pregnancy
Certain disorders present before pregnancy
Exposures that can harm the fetus

Other problems that increase risk can develop during pregnancy or during labor and delivery.
Needing to have surgery, particularly abdominal surgery, during pregnancy increases the risk of preterm labor and miscarriages, especially early in pregnancy. Thus, surgery is usually delayed if possible. However, if necessary, surgery should proceed without delay and is still usually reasonably safe.