Which statement best defines absolute contraindications to pregnancy?

• A. High risk to mother/fetus due to active disease.
• B. Conditions where pregnancy can be pursued with risk mitigation.
• C. Conditions that are unrelated to pregnancy outcomes.
• D. Any chronic condition is absolute.

Answer: (A)

Absolute contraindications to pregnancy are conditions where pregnancy would pose an unacceptable risk to the woman's life or health (or to fetal survival) and those risks cannot be adequately managed during pregnancy. An active disease that creates a high risk for both mother and fetus fits this definition best because the dangers cannot be effectively mitigated with treatment or monitoring during gestation.

In contrast, some conditions may still allow pregnancy if risk can be controlled or reduced (relative contraindications), many chronic problems can be managed during pregnancy depending on severity, and conditions unrelated to pregnancy outcomes do not justify contraindication.