Final answer:
A high-risk pregnancy can be indicated by factors such as medical history, substance use, and lifestyle behaviors that include unhealthy diet and physical inactivity. Advanced maternal age significantly increases the risk for trisomy 21. Pregnant women should engage in healthy lifestyle choices and seek regular prenatal care.
Step-by-step explanation:
Prenatal care is crucial for monitoring the health of both the mother and fetus, and several factors can indicate a high-risk pregnancy. Five maternal variables associated with the diagnosis of a high-risk pregnancy include medical history, substance use, genetics, parity (the number of times a woman has given birth), and previous pregnancy outcomes. Other significant risk factors across various noninfectious diseases, which can also affect pregnancy, include lifestyle behaviors like unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, excessive consumption of sweetened beverages, and tobacco use. These behaviors can contribute to metabolic syndrome, which increases the risk for cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes and can impact pregnancy health. Advanced maternal age is a specifically notable risk factor for having a child with trisomy 21, also known as Down syndrome. Thus, it is imperative for expectant mothers to manage these risks through healthy lifestyle choices and regular prenatal care.