28. Chronic risk conditions and pregnancy

This chapter addresses the most common risk factors increasing maternal and offspring health disadvantages. Psychosocial vulnerability, including maternal stress, substance abuse, overweight and obesity, psychiatric disorders, chronic and acute infections, autoimmunity, chronic kidney disease and hypertension, cardiac disorders, either acquired or congenital, and diabetes mellitus are systematically evaluated for their effects on pregnancy and vice versa, and the potential effects of specific disease-modifying drugs.