A woman is considered to have a high-risk pregnancy when health concerns exist that may threaten the natural course of the development or birth of the baby, or that pose a risk to the mother. In such cases, the mother may need special care, more tests and possibly medication to ensure that she can carry the baby safely through to delivery.

Conditions linked to high-risk pregnancies include:

• a very young or very old mother
• a previous problem pregnancy
• certain chronic medical problems such as diabetes or high blood pressure
• a family history of genetic problems
• Rh incompatibility
• multiple pregnancy (twins, triplets and so on)
• women who have had six or more pregnancies
• women who have had very quick labors in the past
• prenatal tests indicating the baby has a serious health problem

While pregnancy is a natural condition, it can tax even the healthiest woman's body...