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.

Pregnant women undergo a number of tests and assessments at their prenatal visits. Having higher than normal results in some of the tests does not always mean higher risks.

Women who have pregnancy complications may feel relieved when a healthy delivery is in the past. But women who had high blood pressure while pregnant may want to let their doctor know.

The ability of doctors to care for newborns with birth defects continues to improve in the US. Babies who may have died from a serious defect decades ago are more likely to survive now.

The effects of a mother's body on her developing child are still mysterious in many ways. For example, the possible effects of emotional stress on a baby aren't totally understood.

Two of the most common pregnancy complications are pre-eclampsia and high blood pressure during pregnancy. Either condition may mean paying closer attention to your heart later.

It's normal to have a slightly higher blood pressure after giving birth. However, some women are at higher risk than others for longer term blood pressure issues from pregnancy.

High blood pressure during pregnancy is a serious concern for mothers-to-be. In fact, a pregnant woman with blood pressure problems may even be faced with kidney disease after her baby is born.

Pregnant women are at higher risk for blood clots, which can be fatal. Doctors use ultrasound tests to look for clots, but it's not clear whether those tests are good enough.