Study links multiple long-term health conditions to higher pregnancy risks

A large-scale study published in The Lancet Public Health has found that women entering pregnancy with multiple long-term physical or mental health conditions face significantly higher risks of various complications.

Analyzing over 2.2 million pregnancies and birth events across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland between 2000 and 2022, researchers found that having two or more pre-existing conditions is linked to a 20 per cent higher risk of miscarriage and a 69 per cent higher risk of severe nausea and vomiting. The study also highlighted a substantial mental health burden, noting a four-fold increase in the risk of antenatal anxiety and depression among women with multiple long-term conditions.

Additional risks identified include a 42 per cent higher risk of pre-eclampsia and more than double the risk of venous thromboembolism. The risk of complications generally increased with the number of pre-existing conditions. Researchers, led by King's College London, emphasized the need for integrated care that assesses physical and mental health needs together during maternity bookings.