Preterm birth (PTB) is defined as infants born <37 weeks gestation. High ACE (adverse childhood experiences) scores, PTSD, and obesity can increase the risk of PTB, while a history of PTB is a major risk factor for recurrence. Preterm births cost the United States more than $26 billion annually & disproportionately affect women of color and women who qualify for Medicaid insurance in the US.

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is defined as an abnormal oral 50 gram glucose tolerance test (GTT) of >140 and a subsequent 3 hour glucose tolerance with 2 abnormal results - one being the fasting level. Obesity and gestational diabetes increases the likelihood of large for gestational age (born too big) babies. Once diagnosed with GDM in pregnancy, the mother has an increased (35-60%) risk of developing DMII within 20 years after pregnancy.

Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension (PIH) is defined as a previously normotensive woman with new onset hypertension (systolic blood pressure ≥140 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mmHg on two occasions at least four hours apart with proteinuria). PIH increases the likelihood of delivering small for gestational age (born too small) babies.