When diabetes is detected early and is well controlled, the risk is no higher than that for a non-diabetic. High blood pressure Like diabetes, high blood pressure can be a problem before pregnancy. In either case, it increases the risk to you and your baby. Your doctor will watch your blood pressure closely and might recommend lifestyle changes or prescribe medication. Special monitoring of your baby might be performed as well.
Birth defects Many birth defects occur as random events.
Some birth defects can be caused by genetic factors or by exposures to foreign substances, such as alcohol. Your doctor will evaluate your family history and assess the genetic risks for both you and your partner. If you have an increased risk, further testing may be offered. Maternal age Pregnancies in mothers at both ends of the age spectrum can be considered high-risk. Women over 35 have an increased incidence of having children with certain genetic disorders, for example, Down Syndrome.