What signifies a high-risk pregnancy that may need continuous monitoring?

A high-risk pregnancy is often defined by factors that may threaten the health of the mother or fetus, which include multiple gestations or pre-existing maternal conditions. Multiple gestations, such as twins or triplets, carry an increased risk for complications like preterm labor, gestational diabetes, and preeclampsia. Additionally, pre-existing maternal conditions—such as hypertension, diabetes, or heart disease—can also complicate pregnancy and require closer monitoring to manage risks effectively.

In contrast, a gestational age over 30 weeks is typically within a normal range for a pregnancy, as the last trimester is a critical time for fetal development but does not inherently indicate risk. Similarly, a previous uncomplicated pregnancy suggests that future pregnancies may follow a similar course, making continuous monitoring less critical unless new risk factors arise. Lastly, low maternal stress levels generally indicate a well-managed pregnancy environment, which would not be a sign of needing more intensive oversight.

Thus, the presence of multiple gestations or significant maternal health issues is a clear marker for high-risk status, justifying the need for careful monitoring throughout the pregnancy.