Who is at increased risk of health problems during pregnancy?

Some women are at increased risk for health problems during pregnancy.

Important risk factors include the following:

• Overweight and obesity.¹ Having overweight or obesity increases the risk for complications such as gestational diabetes and preeclampsia. Infants of mothers with overweight or obesity also have an increased risk of having neural tube defects (NTDs) or congenital heart defects and being stillborn or being large for their gestational age.
• Young or old maternal age. According to the CDC, more women age 35 and older are giving birth than ever before.² While common, pregnancy after age 35 does increase the risk for complications during pregnancy such as stillbirth and for NTDs.³ In addition, teenage mothers are more likely to deliver early, putting their infant at risk for complications.⁴
• Problems in previous pregnancies. Women who have experienced preeclampsia, stillbirth, or preterm labor before or who have had an infant born small for gestational age are at increased risk for problems during the current pregnancy.
• Existing health conditions. Certain health conditions increase the risk for complications during pregnancy, including high blood pressure, diabetes, and HIV.
• Pregnancy with twins or other multiples. Women who are expecting more than one baby are at increased risk for preeclampsia and preterm birth.

Women with high-risk pregnancies may need more frequent care and may need care from a team of health care providers to help promote healthy pregnancy and birth.⁵

For the latest information on COVID-19 and pregnancy, visit CDC at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/pregnant-people.html.