What key feature distinguishes a low-risk pregnancy from a high-risk pregnancy?

The defining characteristic that distinguishes a low-risk pregnancy from a high-risk pregnancy is the presence of preexisting health conditions or complications that can affect the health of the mother and fetus. High-risk pregnancies are often associated with conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, or previous pregnancy complications like preterm birth or gestational hypertension. These factors can create additional risks during pregnancy, necessitating closer monitoring and intervention to ensure the health and safety of both the mother and baby.

While a supportive partner, a healthy pre-pregnancy weight, and the age of the mother can influence overall pregnancy experience and outcomes, they do not serve as primary determinants of whether a pregnancy is classified as low- or high-risk. Preexisting health issues or complications, on the other hand, have a direct impact on pregnancy management and potential interventions required, which is why they are the key feature in making this distinction.