I'm 36 years old and pregnant. A friend told me that I automatically have a high-risk pregnancy. What is that and what does it mean?
– Jane

The term "high-risk pregnancy" describes a case where a pregnant woman has one or more factors that could put her or the fetus at risk for health problems.

In general, a pregnancy may be considered high risk if the pregnant woman:

• is 35 years old or older
• is 15 years old or younger
• is underweight or overweight prior to becoming pregnant
• has had a premature baby
• has had a baby with a birth defect, especially heart or genetic problems
• has high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, lupus, asthma, a seizure disorder, or another longstanding medical problem
• has an ethnic background in which genetic disorders are common (or a partner who does)
• has a family history of mental retardation (or a partner who does)

For more information, check out these articles:
Medical Care During Pregnancy
Pregnancy Precautions: FAQs
Genetic Counseling
Prenatal Tests
When Your Teen Is Having a Baby

Reviewed by: Larissa Hirsch, MD
Date reviewed: March 2007

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