An unsafe pregnancy refers to a pregnancy that poses significant risks to the pregnant person's health and/or the health of the fetus. This can stem from various factors, including complications during the pregnancy itself or from unsafe pregnancy termination.
High-Risk Pregnancies
A high-risk pregnancy is defined as any pregnancy carrying increased health risks for the pregnant person, fetus, or both. Many factors contribute to this, such as the pregnant person's age, pre-existing health conditions, or complications that arise during pregnancy. [Source: Cleveland Clinic]
Unsafe Abortion
Another aspect of "unsafe pregnancy" relates to unsafe abortion. This occurs when a pregnancy termination is performed by individuals lacking the necessary skills or in environments lacking minimal medical standards. Unsafe abortions are a leading cause of maternal mortality, with around 68,000 women dying annually from this preventable cause. [Source: Doctors Without Borders, PMC] The World Health Organization also highlights the significant problem of medical complications resulting from unsafe pregnancy termination. [Source: WHO]
Foodborne Illness and Pregnancy
During pregnancy, there's a heightened risk of food poisoning (foodborne illness) due to increased vulnerability to bacteria. Consuming undercooked meat, poultry, or eggs is a significant risk factor. [Source: Mayo Clinic, NHS, FoodSafety.gov, Healthline] Other foods to avoid include raw or undercooked seafood (high in mercury and potential parasites/bacteria like Listeria), deli meats, soft cheeses made from unpasteurized milk, and unpasteurized milk itself. [Source: Mayo Clinic, NHS, FoodSafety.gov, Healthline, UNICEF]
Summary of Unsafe Pregnancy Factors
- High-Risk Pregnancy: Pre-existing conditions, age, or pregnancy complications.
- Unsafe Abortion: Procedures performed by unskilled individuals or in substandard environments.
- Foodborne Illness: Consumption of unsafe foods like undercooked meat, raw seafood, or unpasteurized dairy products.
