High Risk Pregnancy
What is a high-risk pregnancy?
A woman’s life is considered spectacular during her pregnancy and delivery. But there are hazards and difficulties associated with pregnancies. Pregnancies classified as “high-risk” are those in which the mother, the fetus (unborn child), or both are subjected to significant health risks. Pregnancies at high risk could require extra care before, during, and after birth. This helps to limit the possibility of issues.
What are the causes of a high-risk pregnancy?
Some of the factors that contribute to a high-risk pregnancy include the following:
- Existing medical conditions.
- Health problems associated with pregnancy.
- Lifestyle issues, such as drinking excessively and smoking.
- Age (being under 17 while pregnant or over 35) is a factor.
High-risk pregnancies can also be caused by a number of conditions, including thyroid, PCOS, fibroids, high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, and others. A high-risk pregnancy can also result from the adverse health circumstances of the unborn child, such as genetic disorders, slow development, etc.
What are the symptoms of a high-risk pregnancy?
If you experience any of the following throughout your pregnancy, contact your gynecologist right away:
- Severe unending abdominal pain
- Chest pain
- Fever
- Heart palpitations
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Vaginal bleeding
- Swelling of body parts
- Reduced movement of the unborn baby
What are the diagnostic methods for a high-risk pregnancy?
According to the Cleveland Clinic, to evaluate your health and the health of your unborn child, the following tests may be performed:
- Tests on your blood and urine can reveal any genetic issues or particular congenital disabilities.
- A biophysical profile, which uses ultrasound to monitor your unborn baby's breathing, movements, and amniotic fluid, and a non-stress test, which measures their heart rate, are two examples of monitoring to ensure your unborn baby is getting enough oxygen.
- Ultrasonography is a screening method for birth abnormalities that uses sound waves to take pictures of your baby in the womb.
How is a high-risk pregnancy managed?
Your particular risk factors will determine how your high-risk pregnancy is managed. Your care routine may consist of the following:
- More frequent check-ups with your doctor.
- Consult with a high-risk pregnancy (Maternal Fetal Medicine) expert.
- Consultation with other medical experts.
- More fetal evaluations and ultrasounds.
- Checking your blood pressure at home.
- Monitoring closely the usage of drugs to treat pre-existing diseases.
Your doctor could advise labor induction or a C-section if your health or the health of your child is in jeopardy.
How to prevent a high-risk pregnancy?
You can lower your chance of issues during pregnancy by:
- Avoiding drugs and alcohol.
- Recognizing possible health hazards before conception. Inform your physician about your personal and family medical history.
- Keeping a healthy body weight before becoming pregnant.
- Taking care of any existing medical issues you might have.
- Confirming the safety of any long-term drugs for use during pregnancy.
- Giving up smoking.
- Preparing for pregnancies in the 18 to 34 age range.
- Safe sex.