Chronic health conditions in women can influence the course of a woman's pregnancy. High blood pressure is one condition that presents risks to pregnant women.

Pregnancy and giving birth can put a lot of stress on women's bodies. It's possible that mothers could have an increased risk of heart disease associated with pregnancy.

While women and doctors do their best to avoid complications during pregnancy, they can still occur, and some of these complications are more common than others. Even the rare ones — like cardiac arrest — can be serious.

Among the complications that can occur during a pregnancy is gestational diabetes. Though gestational diabetes usually goes away after pregnancy, its risks may not always.

High blood pressure-related disorders are among the most common pregnancy complications in the United States. Preterm delivery is often necessary to keep the mother safe and healthy.

Almost one third of women of childbearing age are obese, which may affect the development of the unborn baby as well as the mother's long-term heart health.

The rate of human development is the fastest during the first trimester of pregnancy. Fetal growth restrictions during this time could affect the baby's future health.

The vast majority of pregnancies are uncomplicated, with healthy moms and healthy babies. But one of the more common pregnancy complications when one occurs is pre-eclampsia.

Modern medicine has come a long way in reducing the number of women who die while pregnant or because of pregnancy. But women need to do their part too.

As a child grows up, a mom's memory of the pregnancy and delivery tends to fade over time. But some pregnancy complications may be important to recall later.