When you hear the term "high risk," It's natural to feel concerned about your health or the health of your unborn child. But what exactly does a high-risk pregnancy mean? A pregnancy may be considered high risk due to a number of reasons, including pregnancy-related complications and several preexisting medical issues.
A high-risk pregnancy means there is an increased chance of health issues for you or your baby, either before, during, or after birth. Pregnancy risk can be increased by a number of factors, such as pre-existing medical illnesses, the mother's age, lifestyle, and prenatal or postpartum medical issues.
As a result, you may need extra prenatal care or tests. Your doctor will carefully monitor your health during appointments and address any concerns that come up. It is important to understand what it means to have a high-risk pregnancy and learn how to take care of yourself and your baby during this time.
What is a High-Risk Pregnancy?
Every pregnancy carries certain risks. Any pregnancy that poses higher health risks to the expectant mother, the fetus, or both is considered high-risk. Pregnant women who are at high risk may require more medical attention before, during, and after child delivery. This lowers the chances and severity of complications.
However, having a high-risk pregnancy does not mean that you will surely experience health issues. Many women with special medical needs before birth have healthy pregnancies and go on to have normal labor and delivery.
When your maternity care provider tells you that your pregnancy is at risk, it's natural to panic and worry. This does not necessarily imply that your pregnancy will be challenging. It could simply be that your pregnancy care team is paying closer attention to you. Trust your obstetrician's advice and ask for assistance managing your emotions. Several women successfully carry high-risk pregnancies, and the majority deliver in children in good health. Routine prenatal care can help in staying assured over the safety of your pregnancy, even if it is high risk.
Read Also: Premature Birth: Causes, Treatments & Prevention – What You Should Know
What are the Causes of High-Risk Pregnancy?
A high-risk pregnancy means you have a higher-than-average chance of developing challenges associated with pregnancy. Some pregnancies are high risk from the very beginning, while others become high risk later on. The following factors contribute to putting your pregnancy at high-risk:
- Preexisting health conditions
- Pregnancy-related health conditions
- Lifestyle factors (including smoking, alcohol use disorder, substance use disorder, and exposure to certain toxins)
Women with previous illnesses face higher health risks during pregnancy. Some of these conditions are:
- Autoimmune diseases like lupus or multiple sclerosis
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- HIV/AIDS
- Fibroids
- Obesity
- Kidney disease
- Mental health issues like depression
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Blood clotting disorders
- Thyroid disease
Following are pregnancy-related health issues that may cause complications:
- Gestational diabetes
- Low birth weight
- Pregnancy with more than one fetus, such as twins or triplets
- Gestational hypertension
- Preeclampsia, and eclampsia
- Placenta previa or a placental abruption
- History of preterm birth, or other complications with previous pregnancies
- Excessive or scanty amniotic fluid
What are the Treatment Options for High-Risk Pregnancy?
You might be experiencing a wide range of feelings, including concern and anxiety, if you recently found out that your pregnancy is at high risk. It can be frightening to learn that there are risk factors for potential challenges during your pregnancy. First, try to unwind and have faith in your doctor. The doctor will ensure that you have a healthy baby and a successful delivery at the end of your pregnancy. Although this may seem difficult at times, keep in mind that your doctor is always available to support you and respond to your concerns.
If there are signs that the pregnancy is at risk, your doctor may propose labour induction or a caesarean section sooner than expected. However, the management of a high-risk pregnancy will be determined by your individual risk factors. Your treatment strategy may include:
- Your obstetrician will be monitoring you more closely.
- Regular care from maternal-fetal medicine specialists.
- Multidisciplinary care.
- More ultrasounds and a more detailed foetal examination.
- Home blood pressure monitoring.
- Medical therapy to treat pre-existing diseases.
- Close monitoring of pre-existing disorders.
How to Prevent High-Risk Pregnancy?
You can lower the chances of having pregnancy-related issues by:
- Avoiding any nonprescription drugs and medications, as well as drinks that include alcohol.
- Detecting and addressing any potential risks prior to becoming pregnant.
- Sharing your personal and family medical history with your healthcare professional.
- Achieving a healthy range of body weight prior conceiving.
- Taking care of any underlying medical issues you might have.
- Confirming that taking any long-term medication during pregnancy is safe.
- Quit smoking.
- Reducing your risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) by engaging in safe sexual conduct.
When Should I Reach Out to My Obstetrician Immediately?
Complications from pregnancy might arise up to six weeks after the end of a pregnancy. It's important to take your health seriously. If you notice anything unusual after childbirth, contact your doctor right away. You should report any of the following symptoms during pregnancy to your doctor:
- Severe pelvic pain or cramping
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding
- Leakage of amniotic fluid (water breaking)
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Severe headache
- Blurred vision
- Fever, chills or flu-like symptoms
Conclusion
If you're having a high-risk pregnancy, you may need extra care before, during, and after your child's birth. To keep you and your unborn child healthy, this may entail more prenatal ultrasounds, closer observation, or therapies during the pregnancy. The secret to a successful high-risk pregnancy is receiving comprehensive and regular prenatal care. To lower your chance of issues, make sure you and your doctor are in constant contact. Feel free to ask any questions you may have so that you are prepared.
Expecting a baby with a high-risk pregnancy? Get informed with these essential facts, causes, and care tips for a safe journey. Receive expert advice from our gynecologists at Cocoon Hospital today. Book your consultation now!
FAQs
Q1: What conditions make a pregnancy high-risk?
A: Factors include maternal age (under 18 or over 35), pre-existing health conditions (diabetes, hypertension, heart disease), multiple pregnancies (twins or more), and pregnancy-related complications like preeclampsia or gestational diabetes.
Q2: How is a high-risk pregnancy diagnosed?
A: Your doctor will assess risk factors through regular screenings, ultrasounds, blood tests, and monitoring of both mother and baby’s health.
Q3: Can obesity cause a high-risk pregnancy?
A: Yes, obesity increases the risk of gestational diabetes, hypertension, and complications during delivery.
Q4: Does a previous miscarriage increase the risk of complications?
A: It can, especially if there were multiple miscarriages or if the cause was an underlying medical condition.
