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High-Risk Pregnancy
Healthcare providers use the term “high-risk pregnancy” to describe a situation in which a mother, her fetus, or both are at higher risk for problems during pregnancy or delivery than in a typical pregnancy.
A high-risk pregnancy may be one that involves chronic health problems, such as diabetes or high blood pressure; infections; complications from a previous pregnancy; or other issues that might arise during pregnancy.
NICHD is one of many federal agencies working to improve pregnancy outcomes, including research on the causes and management of high-risk pregnancies.
General Information
A high-risk pregnancy is one in which the mother and/or fetus are at higher risk for problems during pregnancy or labor than in a typical pregnancy.
A pregnancy can be high risk because of a woman’s age, chronic health conditions, lifestyle, and other factors.
Some factors, such as chronic conditions, can be treated and controlled before pregnancy to reduce risk. But some aren’t treatable or start in pregnancy, meaning high risk is not preventable.
Treatment for high-risk pregnancy depends on the risk factors and overall health of the mother and fetus.
Research
NICHD conducts and supports research on high-risk pregnancy and on many disorders related to high-risk pregnancy.
Find a Study
NICHD conducts and supports a variety of clinical research projects related to high-risk pregnancy.
More Information
Find answers to other common questions about high-risk pregnancy, such as what effects it can have and how to recognize the risks.
Links to websites of groups that study or provide information about high-risk pregnancy.
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