What factors determine whether a pregnancy is considered high-risk?

A pregnancy is classified as high-risk based on a combination of various factors that can affect the health of both the mother and the fetus. Maternal age plays a significant role, as women who are younger than 17 or older than 35 are often considered to have an elevated risk due to the potential complications associated with pregnancy at those ages.

In addition to maternal age, fetal conditions are crucial in determining risk. Conditions such as fetal anomalies, growth restrictions, or chromosomal abnormalities can significantly impact the pregnancy outcome and necessitate closer monitoring and management.

This multifactorial approach to identifying high-risk pregnancies recognizes that no single aspect, such as maternal age, fetal weight, or gestational age, alone can adequately assess the potential complications that may arise. Instead, a comprehensive evaluation that considers both the mother's health and the conditions of the fetus is necessary to determine the overall risk. Consequently, all contributing factors must be assessed to effectively manage and support high-risk pregnancies.