High Risk Pregnancy

Although pregnancy is considered a normal physiological event, yet it may be complicated by a disease or a disorder that affects the health or endangers the life of the mother or the fetus. Abnormalities that develop during pregnancy may be directly related to pregnancy (obstetric) or not (non-obstetric). Obstetric abnormalities, such as maternal characteristics and problems in previous pregnancies, may increase the risk of morbidity or mortality for the mother or the fetus. Non-obstetric (medical or surgical) disorders frequently complicate pregnancy, and management sometimes differs from that for non-pregnant patients. High risk pregnancies require close monitoring, and sometimes referral to a specialized center for antenatal care and delivery. This book provides a comprehensive review of high risk pregnancy, emphasizing its causes and management, which will be of immense value for obstetricians and allied health professionals.