Risk pregnancies occur for a number of reasons. The mother’s age plays a role, but illnesses or infections during the pregnancy can also have an impact.
The following factors could indicate a high-risk pregnancy:
- The mother is older than 35 and/or the father is older than 45
- Hereditary diseases in the mother's and/or father’s family
- Positive results in the general preparatory examinations
- Two or more previous miscarriages
- The mother suffers from rubella infection or toxoplasmosis during pregnancy
- Taking certain medication during pregnancy
- X-ray exposure during pregnancy
In order to reduce or preclude further risks, you should avoid the following:
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Smoking – both active and passive smoking
- Raw dairy products and raw meat
- Extreme physical exertion
- High temperatures, e.g. in the sauna or bath
In individual cases, special examination methods can be employed to determine whether your unborn child has any genetic diseases. However, it is essential that parents carefully consider the benefits and risks of such procedures.
