he median age of patients in our practice is between 38-42. Many have delayed having children and as such can be deemed as a high-risk pregnancy.
There are 6 factors that can increase the risk of having a complicated pregnancy and they are:
1. Maternal Age – Yes, the age that you are when you conceive can put you at risk. If you are over the age of 35, there is a potential risk related to your age.
2. Medical Issues – Medical conditions that exist before conception such as high blood pressure, diabetes, epilepsy, thyroid disease, heart or blood disorders, asthma, and infections can pose an additional concern and risk factor to a pregnant woman.
3. Multiple Births – Carrying multiple babies at once poses a risk of early birth. This risk factor is why many of us encourage single embryo transfer.
4.History of Miscarriages – Miscarriages in the past, problems with a previous pregnancy, or a family history of genetic disorders are also risk factors for pregnancy.
5. History of preterm labor – If you have experienced previous preterm labor or premature delivery, you have an increased risk of the same during the following pregnancy.
6. Lifestyle choices – This is one of the most well-known factors that can increase the risk of complications. Behaviors such as smoking, drinking alcohol, and bad eating habits can pose potential risks to the baby’s development inside the womb.
If someone you know is trying to get pregnant, feel free to tag them in the comments below to share this information with them.
