Is your pregnancy high-risk?
Here's what you need to Know.

Pregnancy is a remarkable journey, with those nine months leaving an unforgettable imprint on our hearts.

Is this a lovely journey, or do you want to make it beautiful? It can be a beautiful experience if you take proper care of yourself throughout this new journey of motherhood.

Pregnancy is a beautiful phase in every woman's life, but when you know that your pregnancy is high-risk, everything changes.

Don't worry about it. Here's what you need to know to reduce the Pregnancy risk and take safety precautions

High-risk Pregnancy

A high-risk pregnancy is one in which there is a higher chance of complications for both the mother and the unborn child.

It may characterised by factors that increase the likelihood of complications for the mother, baby, or both.

These factors may include maternal age, pre-existing medical conditions, multiple pregnancies, or issues identified during prenatal care.

High-risk pregnancies require specialised monitoring and medical attention to ensure the best possible outcome for both mother and baby.

Common causes of high-risk pregnancy

• Advanced age of the mothers.
• Pre-existing illnesses (such as diabetes or hypertension)
• Multiple Pregnancies (i.e. twins or triplets)
• Lifestyle factors like using drugs, smoking, and receiving inadequate prenatal care contribute to the high-risk category

Signs and symptoms

• Medical history: Pre-existing conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and health disease can increase the risk
• Previous pregnancy complications: History of preterm birth, miscarriages, or stillbirths may increase the risk in subsequent pregnancies.
• Multiple pregnancies: Twins, triplets, or more can lead to increased complications due to the additional strain on the mother's body.
• Poor lifestyle choices: Smoking, alcohol consumption, and drug use during pregnancy can contribute to complications.
• Genetic concern: A family history of genetic disorders or defects may necessitate closer monitoring
• High blood pressure: Swelling, sudden weight gain, and high blood pressure are signs of a potentially serious condition.
• Decreased fetal movements: A noticeable reduction in the baby's movements may indicate a potential problem.
• Excessive weight gain or loss: Rapid or inadequate weight changes can impact the health of both mother and baby.

Safety precautions

1. Preconception care:

Early and comprehensive preconception care is essential. Women should consult with healthcare professionals before conception to address any existing health issues, optimise nutrition, and identify potential risk factors

2. Healthy lifestyle:

Encouraging a healthy lifestyle is paramount in preventing high-risk pregnancies.

It includes maintaining a balanced diet, engaging in regular exercise, managing stress, and avoiding harmful substances such as tobacco and excessive alcohol.

3. Regular prenatal check-ups:

Regular prenatal check-ups are vital to monitor the health of both the mother and the developing fetus.

Timing identification of any potential issues allows for early intervention and reduces the risk of complications.

4. Genetic counselling:

For couples with a family history of genetic disorders or specific risk factors, genetic counselling can provide valuable insights. This service helps assess the risk of hereditary conditions and guides available options.

5. Weight management:

Both underweight and overweight conditions can contribute to pregnancy complications.

Maintaining a healthy weight before conception can significantly reduce the risk of complications, such as gestational diabetes and hypertension.

Conclusion

Therefore, Navigating a high-risk pregnancy requires comprehensive care, close monitoring, and effective communication between the healthcare team and the expecting parents.

While challenges may arise, advancements in medical technology and dedicated prenatal care can significantly improve outcomes.

Pregnant individuals with high-risk factors must work closely with healthcare professionals, follow recommended guidelines, and prioritise their well-being to enhance the chances of a healthy pregnancy and delivery.

We have the best high-risk pregnancy specialist in our hospital in Ahmedabad.