Risk assessment

Risk assessment is the process by which clinicians screen for conditions th at, if unmanaged, result in complications of pregnancy or adverse birth out comes and for which an intervention would improve the well-being of the mot her, child, and family. One of the major US health care goals is that by th e year 2000, at least 90% of pregnant women will receive risk appropriate c are. This article discusses the major risks to the mother and child during pregnancy, and presents tools to assess pregnancy well-being.