A history of pelvic inflammatory disease increases a woman's risk for which complication?

A history of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is significant because it can lead to scarring and damage within the reproductive tract, particularly in the fallopian tubes. This damage can interfere with the normal pathway of an ovum and can lead to conditions where implantation occurs outside the uterus, which is known as an ectopic pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancies often occur in the fallopian tubes and can be life-threatening if not diagnosed and treated promptly.

The other complications listed, such as preeclampsia, placenta previa, and gestational diabetes, are not directly associated with PID. Preeclampsia relates more to issues with blood pressure and placental development, placenta previa involves the position of the placenta in the uterus, and gestational diabetes is related to insulin regulation during pregnancy. Therefore, the distinctive link between PID and an increased risk of ectopic pregnancy makes it the correct answer.