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Pregnancy can be exhilarating for women, especially the thought of bringing a mini-you into the world. Moreover, you reduce your risk of developing gynecological cancers and painful periods while improving your overall health and prolonging your life. You also get to rock comfier attires without feeling judged or pressured. However, it's not unusual for women to have high-risk pregnancies. Research indicates that the dangerous pregnancy complication rates in the US have doubled over 12 years. Certain factors contribute to this, including the following. 

1. Age 

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Women can choose to get pregnant at any time. However, research indicates that pregnancy risks are heightened as you approach certain ages. Women over 35 are likelier to have kids with congenital disabilities due to chromosomal issues, such as Down syndrome. They also risk suffering miscarriages, caesarian sessions, and stillbirths. Other risks associated with late pregnancy include postpartum hemorrhage, gestational diabetes, stroke, heart attack, ectopic pregnancies, etc. Younger women under 20 aren't exempted from risks too. This is due to their underdeveloped pelvis, which can make childbirth difficult. Also, high blood pressure can cause them to deliver prematurely. Preeclampsia is also a serious risk for pregnant women under 20. 

Fortunately, you can have an easy pregnancy and delivery after 35 with the right steps. You can begin by eating well-balanced meals to get the needed nutrients. Exercise is also essential for an easier pregnancy, so feel free to consider this. You also don't want to skip prenatal visits to your healthcare providers, as they can help you detect and fix complications early. If you're under 20, you'll find it helpful to prioritize prenatal care and consume prenatal vitamins with enough folic acid to prevent congenital disabilities. You'll also benefit from getting emotional support from your family, friends, and other trusted people. 

2. Preexisting medical conditions 

Women with preexisting health issues can also be prone to pregnancy complications. For instance, those with high blood pressure risk having a preterm delivery, preeclampsia, underweight baby, and kidney damage. Likewise, autoimmune diseases like lupus and multiple sclerosis can cause stillbirth, and medication for these conditions can harm the fetus. Uterine fibroids, kidney disease, and PCOS can increase your risks of miscarrying. Other health issues worth considering are diabetes, obesity, and Zika infection. 

Consulting with your doctor will prove helpful if you're planning to get pregnant but have a preexisting illness. They can screen you and provide effective guidelines for safely carrying your baby. You can also consider working with a surrogate if your health condition will likely harm your baby. You can work with a credible surrogacy agency to get the most suitable surrogate. 

3. Drug and alcohol use 

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Drug and alcohol use does more than affect your health. Research indicates prolonged alcohol use can increase your baby's risk of developing FASDs. And its effects can range from abnormal facial features to disorders of the kidneys, heart, and bones. Tobacco, marijuana and other hard drugs use can trigger stillbirth and SIDS. Therefore, avoiding these items during pregnancy makes sense. You'll find it helpful to get support if it's challenging to give them up. 

Photo by Nelly Aran : https://www.pexels.com/photo/close-up-photography-of-a-pregnant-woman-1066287/