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High-Risk Pregnancy

23 March 2026

While most pregnancies end in a normal delivery, there are situations defined as a “high-risk pregnancy.” These are cases where there is an increased risk to the mother, the fetus, or both, due to pre-existing factors or conditions that develop during pregnancy.

Criteria for defining a high-risk pregnancy:

  • Maternal age: Women under age 17 or over age 40 are included in this group from an administrative standpoint.
  • Chronic conditions: Heart, lung, or kidney disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, epilepsy, autoimmune diseases, and severe obesity require close monitoring.
  • Obstetric history: Recurrent miscarriages, previous preterm births, preeclampsia, or multiple cesarean deliveries increase the level of risk.
  • Other conditions: Multiple pregnancy (twins or more), intrauterine growth restriction, or suspected fetal abnormalities.

Importance of medical follow-up

Women with high-risk pregnancies receive more frequent and closer monitoring. Health maintenance organizations (HMOs) operate dedicated clinics that provide accessible and available services for women with high-risk pregnancies. Care may include lifestyle changes, such as activity restriction (at home or during hospitalization), dietary adjustments with support from a dietitian, and consultations with medical specialists.

Important: A high-risk pregnancy can involve significant stress. Emotional support or counseling is recommended if ongoing distress occurs.

While most pregnancies end in a normal delivery, early identification of a high-risk pregnancy and close monitoring are essential to prevent complications.

A high-risk pregnancy is defined as a condition in which there is concern about increased risk to the mother, the fetus, or both. This may be due to pre-existing factors or conditions that develop during pregnancy, which raise the risk of illness or death for the mother, the fetus, or both.

This article outlines the common risk factors that can make a pregnancy high-risk.

Criteria for high-risk pregnancy

Medically, women of any age can be considered at risk, depending on their medical history and background.

The Ministry of Health has an administrative definition for high-risk pregnancy that affects eligibility for certain tests: women under 17 or over 40 years old.

  • Chronic heart, lung, kidney, or liver disease.
  • High blood pressure (over 140/90 mmHg).
  • Diabetes.
  • Endocrine disorders.
  • Epilepsy.
  • Multiple sclerosis.
  • Hematologic disorders or conditions involving blood clots in the veins.
  • Autoimmune diseases or blood tests showing antibodies for autoimmune conditions.
  • HIV infection or carrier status.
  • GBS (Group B Streptococcus) carrier status.
  • Mental health disorders.
  • Substance or alcohol addiction.
  • Post-organ transplant.
  • Active oncological follow-up.
  • Severe obesity (BMI over 30) or extreme underweight (BMI below 18).

  • Recurrent miscarriages at any stage of pregnancy.
  • Previous pregnancy with a fetus having a congenital anomaly.
  • Preterm birth or a baby small for gestational age.
  • Gestational diabetes.
  • Preeclampsia or pregnancy-induced hypertension.
  • Intrauterine fetal death.
  • Uterine structural abnormalities.
  • Pregnancy achieved through assisted reproduction or IVF.

Examples include:

  • Multiple pregnancy (twins or more).
  • Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR).
  • Women whose tests show antibodies that may attack the fetus’s red blood cells.
  • Conditions indicating increased risk of fetal anomalies.
  • Exposure to an acute infectious disease that could harm the fetus.
  • Uterine structural abnormalities.
  • Preeclampsia of moderate or higher severity.

Important to know

Important to know

This is only a partial list of examples. Other conditions may also define a high-risk pregnancy, based on the judgment of the attending physician.

Recommendations for Women with High-Risk Pregnancy

Women with a high-risk pregnancy generally need more frequent and specialized follow-up tests compared to women with low-risk pregnancies. It is recommended to consult the attending physician about the need for a high-risk pregnancy clinic. Health maintenance organizations (HMOs) operate dedicated clinics for high-risk pregnancies that provide specialized services.

Important to remember

Important to remember

Under the National Health Insurance Law, follow-up for a high-risk pregnancy is the responsibility of your health maintenance organization (HMO).

Preparing for lifestyle changes

Pregnancy rest

Depending on your medical condition, your physician may recommend activity restriction, rest at home, or hospitalization to prevent complications.

Dietary adjustments

In cases of gestational diabetes, it is recommended to work with a dietitian to create a balanced meal plan and maintain normal blood sugar levels.

Consultation in other areas

Depending on your health condition and risk factors, you may be referred to specialists in other areas, such as infectious diseases.

Caution

A high-risk pregnancy can be accompanied by significant stress. It is important to seek counseling if feelings of sadness, guilt, or hopelessness persist for more than two weeks. You may also read our article on emotional changes during pregnancy.

If you are experiencing distress or difficulty lasting more than two weeks, it is important to seek help.

Mental Health Hotlines of the HMOs

In summary, close pregnancy monitoring, following medical team guidance, and appropriate treatments will, in most cases, allow a high-risk pregnancy to be managed successfully and result in a timely, healthy delivery. If you have any concerns, do not wait—consult your attending physician immediately.

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