Childbirth is a special time in a woman’s life and even the slightest hint of a potential problem could cause serious mental and emotional stress. No woman wants to hear from her doctor that her pregnancy may or will be a high-risk one. Unfortunately, the cases of high-risk pregnancies are rising, but so too are the medical advancements that can protect expectant mothers from medical issues that could affect them or the children they bear. Understanding what is meant by a high-risk pregnancy will help women deal with this often frightening diagnosis and deliver a healthy child while also protecting their own health.
What Does High-Risk Mean?
High-risk pregnancies can be divided into two broad categories:
- Medical conditions that existed before the pregnancy
- Medical conditions that developed at some stage during the pregnancy
Causes of High-Risk Pregnancies
The following factors are among the most common causes of high-risk pregnancies.
Pre-existing issues include the following:
- Age is a major factor in high-risk pregnancies. If a woman is under 20 or over 35 years of age when she becomes pregnant, the risk of pregnancy-related complications is higher.
- Pre-existing health issues and ailments can result in a pregnancy being high-risk.
These include:
• Obesity
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Cardiac ailments
• Blood disorders
• Thyroid disease
• Epilepsy
• Infections
• Asthma that is not kept under control
- Lifestyle choices that can affect pregnancies include:
• Recreational drug use
• Smoking and other forms of tobacco consumption
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• An unhealthy diet that includes excessive sugar intake, a lot of fried food, unhealthy snacking and so on
Problems that develop during the pregnancy include:
- A placenta that is not properly located.
- Below normal fetal growth. Typically, fetal growth that is below 10% of that which it should be is a cause for concern.
- The Rh Factor: This occurs when the mother’s blood is Rh-negative and the fetus’s blood is Rh-positive.
- Multiple pregnancies can be difficult. When there is more than one fetus present, the risk factor may rise. While giving birth to twins or triplets is not uncommon, the mother and fetuses require extra monitoring so that preemptive action can be taken to deal with any potential medical problems. Women who have undergone fertility treatment are more likely to give birth to twins or even triplets.
- If there were problems with a previous pregnancy, the risk factor increases in future pregnancies.
These issues include:
• Premature delivery
• Preeclampsia
• The fetus having developed a genetic condition
• Miscarriage
• Stillbirth
Reducing the Risk
Regular health checkups will often reveal the existence of factors that could increase pregnancy risks. The earlier these are known, the sooner preventive steps can be taken to mitigate the risks. Irrespective of her health status, a woman should schedule an appointment with her OB/GYN as soon as she plans to become pregnant. This is when the basics of prenatal health, including the risk factors, will be discussed. These include:
- Personal and family medical history
- Following a healthy diet and the dietary supplements that may be required
- Managing any preexisting medical conditions
- The use of medications, including common over-the-counter medications
- Pre-delivery injections and vaccinations that may be required
- Any health issues that the father may have that could affect the fetus
- Lifestyle changes that should be made during the pregnancy
Testing for Potential Problems
If the doctor thinks that there may be a possibility of complications that could result in a high-risk pregnancy, there are various tests and procedures that can be done to define the nature of the problem so that the appropriate steps may be taken to protect the health of both the mother and the child. A multispecialty hospital is the right place to have the testing and diagnosis done.
Possible Signs of Pregnancy-Related Health Concerns
While not all health issues that develop during pregnancy are serious or are indications of the development of a high-risk pregnancy, if any of the following should occur, it is important to contact your doctor without delay:
- Abdominal or pelvic cramps
- Vaginal bleeding
- Unusual vaginal discharge
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Vision changes including blurred vision
- Fever or chills/shivering
- Sudden swelling of the face, hands, and/or fingers
- Pain or burning sensation when urinating
- Any change in fetal activity
- Sudden bouts of nausea or vomiting
- Weakness or unusual feelings of exhaustion
- Mental changes such as constant nervousness or worry that make normal functioning difficult
- Depression or feelings of sadness that continue for a long time
- Thoughts of self-harm or of harming the baby
A high-risk pregnancy no doubt sounds scary but it is manageable and both the mother and the child can navigate it safely and healthily. Knowing that you are receiving the best care is a major factor in successfully overcoming the challenges of a high-risk pregnancy.
Also Read : Gynecological Conditions That Demand Urgent Treatment
It is clear that dealing with a high-risk pregnancy and giving birth to a healthy child while also protecting the mother’s health requires specialized medical care. Because the factors that result in a high-risk pregnancy cover so many medical issues, the best place for this medical care and any special treatment that may be required is a multispecialty hospital like New Medical Centre. A hospital like this is where the best obstetricians and gynecologists will be available, along with the most advanced diagnostic and treatment technologies and facilities. This is where a range of other medical specialists and treatments will also be available to diagnose and treat any medical conditions that may affect the pregnancy. The key to dealing with a high-risk pregnancy, protecting the mother’s health and giving birth to a healthy baby lies in having access to the best possible medical care.
Frequently Asked Questions
What defines a high-risk pregnancy?
A high-risk pregnancy involves conditions before or during pregnancy that increase complications for the mother or baby.
What are common causes of high-risk pregnancies?
Causes include maternal age (under 20 or over 35), pre-existing health issues (diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity), lifestyle factors, and complications during pregnancy.
How can I reduce the risk of pregnancy complications?
Regular prenatal checkups, managing pre-existing conditions, maintaining a healthy diet, and following your doctor’s advice can help reduce risks.
What are some warning signs of a high-risk pregnancy?
Warning signs include vaginal bleeding, severe abdominal pain, unusual swelling, vision changes, and persistent nausea or vomiting.
What tests are performed for potential pregnancy complications?
Doctors may use blood tests, ultrasounds, and other diagnostic procedures at a multispecialty hospital to identify and manage potential risks.
Why is care at a multispecialty hospital important for high-risk pregnancies?
These hospitals provide access to specialized obstetricians, advanced diagnostic tools, and a range of medical experts to ensure comprehensive care for both mother and baby.