Pregnancy is normal; every woman longs to enjoy a smooth pregnancy journey. There are chances for health risks in your pregnancy. If you are facing a high-risk pregnancy, you may require proper medical care during pregnancy to avoid complications. It is not that all high-risk pregnancies increase the risk of complications during pregnancy. You need not panic about the well-being of your baby if you're in a high-risk pregnancy, as all high-risk pregnancies do not lead to complications. Following your healthcare provider’s advice can help you avoid complications due to high-risk pregnancy. This article highlights the things you must be aware of and different ways to manage and prevent high-risk pregnancies.
A high-risk pregnancy is a condition where there is a higher chance of threat to the fetus and the mother compared to a normal pregnancy. You can expect adverse outcomes at some point in your pregnancy. You may expect complications in your early pregnancy or during the later stage of pregnancy.
Certain factors can influence high-risk pregnancy.
Pre-existing medical conditions: There is a high risk of complications during pregnancy when you suffer from specific health conditions, including diabetes, autoimmune disorders, high blood pressure, thyroid disorders, depression, heart disease, PCOD and fibroids.
Genetic Disorders: If your parents or ancestors suffered from specific genetic medical issues, they may affect you. If you have a family history of miscarriage, there are more chances of miscarriage in your pregnancy.
Pregnancy-related Complications: Multiple miscarriages, preeclampsia, stillbirth, gestational diabetes, abnormal amniotic levels, infections, placental abruption, placenta previa, multiple gestation and low birth weight are the conditions that result in high-risk pregnancy.
Age: Women over 35 years of age have a high chance of pregnancy risk.
When you're in a high-risk pregnancy, your doctor may help you figure out the actual cause of pregnancy risk.
When you notice any of the following symptoms, then your pregnancy is at high risk.
● Extreme Fatigue
● Severe headache
● Severe Abdominal pain
● Respiratory issues
● Dizziness
● Vaginal bleeding
● Vomiting
● Heart palpitations
Consult your healthcare provider immediately when you notice any of the above high-risk pregnancy symptoms to avoid complications.
When you're in a high-risk pregnancy, there are more chances of experiencing certain complications that may harm the baby and the mother. You are likely to experience the following issues with high-risk pregnancy
● Pre-term birth
● Pre-eclampsia
● Excessive vaginal bleeding during labour
● Underdeveloped baby’s organs
● Miscarriage
● Emergency medical issues for the baby or mother
● Underweight during birth
Early prenatal care is critical in identifying high-risk pregnancies. Feel free to talk to your doctor about your medical history. You may require continuous monitoring in case you suffer from high-risk pregnancy conditions.
The following test can help to monitor the health of your fetus.
● Blood and urine tests are performed to figure out the genetic health issues of the fetus.
● An ultrasound is generally performed to know the growth of the fetus, fetal tone, and fetal.
● Other tests carried out to assess the overall health of the fetus and the mother include a fetal heart rate test, biophysical profile, and non-stress test.
There is no specific treatment offered to treat high-risk pregnancies. Regular monitoring, medications and changes in lifestyle can reduce complications due to high-risk pregnancy.
● It is highly recommended to consult a maternal-fetal medicine specialist to keep track of the health and growth of the fetus.
● Your doctor may insist on going for multiple ultrasounds to know about fetal growth, fetal movement and fetal heartbeat. This assures the well-being of the fetus.
● Your doctor may prescribe medicines based on the underlying medical conditions.
● Genetic testing can be performed to rule out genetic disorders for your baby.
● Treating your mental health can improve your overall well-being during pregnancy.
● Following a healthy lifestyle can reduce the risk of high-risk pregnancy.
● Your doctor suggests going for a BPP test when you suffer from gestational diabetes, low levels of amniotic fluid and rupture of fetal membranes.
It is common for women with high-risk pregnancies to feel anxious and stressed about their complications.
● Rely on a Support System: Do not try to manage things alone. Get help from your family and friends. Talk with people who are in the same situation. They would help you manage high-risk pregnancy
● Take care of Yourself. Self-care is important because it calms your body and mind, improving your overall health.
● Eat a Healthy Diet: Eating a nutritious and balanced diet helps you reduce the complications due to pre-existing health conditions.
● Never Skip Your Check-ups: Regular monitoring of the fetus gives you the confidence that your baby is safe.
It is wise to prevent risks during pregnancy.
● Quit smoking and drinking.
● Treat your pre-existing health conditions before getting pregnant, as it may increase your pregnancy risk.
● Never miss your pre-natal supplements to improve your health.
● Eating a healthy and nutritious day improves the overall well-being of the fetus and the mother.
● Getting involved in simple physical activity like walking.
● Ensure you practice safe sex.
Several factors contribute to high-risk pregnancy, resulting in complications at any point of your pregnancy. It is a matter of concern as there is a serious threat to the health of the baby and the mother. However, you need not panic as there are chances of delivering your baby without complications. Regular prenatal check-ups can help track the fetus's growth and development. Frequent monitoring and other tests can help avoid the complications of high-risk pregnancy.
Do’s
● Never miss your prenatal during pregnancy
● Eat a healthy diet
● Maintain your weight
Don’ts
● Quit smoking and drinking as it can lead to complications
● Avoid cleaning the litter box of your pet
There is nothing to worry about in your high-risk pregnancy as long as you're under regular prenatal check-ups. Not all high-risk pregnancies end up in complications. Eating a healthy diet, regular intake of supplements, active lifestyle can reduce the complications of high-risk pregnancy.
Proper prenatal care, eating a healthy diet, regular exercise, and ample rest can help you survive a high-risk pregnancy.
There are certain times when your pregnancy is usually at high risk. The chances of miscarriage are high in the first trimester of pregnancy, and these days are considered high-risk for pregnancy.
