High Risk Pregnancy
A high-risk pregnancy is one where there is a higher risk to the mother or her fetus than an uncomplicated pregnancy.
Pregnancy is a normal physiological process, a phase of life to be enjoyed and to be cherished. However, pregnancy is also a stressful condition for the body, both physically, mentally, and can be emotionally challenging. While most pregnancies go smoothly, a few underlying health issues or some new development can make it high risk, requiring special care, rest, investigations, etc.
- MATERNAL AGE – Pregnancies at the extremes of age like teenage pregnancy or beyond the age of 35 are at higher risk of developing complications. There is a higher chance of miscarriage and birth defects, especially if you are above the age of 35. Mothers who are more than 35 years of age are also at risk of developing gestational diabetes, pregnancy-induced hypertension, preterm labor.
- PRE EXISTING MEDICAL CONDITIONS – If you already have any pre-existing medical conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, etc., you are at a higher risk of developing complications. Some of these problems worsen in pregnancy and may impact fertility. These issues will also require expert medical control even at the time of conception. Some of them may also need a change in medication when fertilization occurs.
- PREVIOUS BAD OBSTETRIC HISTORY – if you have had past abortions, preterm deliveries, stillbirth, intrauterine death, etc., your pregnancy will require expert handling and intensive care. The care should start before pregnancy. You may need further investigations to understand the cause of such a loss, folic acid supplement, treatment of any pre-existing medical condition, etc. during pregnancy; you may need rest, injections, and supportive therapy.
- ISSUES DURING THE CURRENT PREGNANCY – Certain conditions in this pregnancy will increase the risk in this pregnancy, like developing high blood pressure, gestational diabetes (developing diabetes in the pregnancy), twins, low lying placenta, etc, these pregnancies require extensive care and multidisciplinary approach.
Preventive Steps One Must Take To Avoid High-Risk Pregnancy
At times, you may have a high-risk pregnancy because of an existing medical issue or a medical condition may emerge during pregnancy which may lead the pregnancy to become high risk for you or the baby or both. So you must take certain extra precautions…
Get a preconception appointment scheduled with an expert High-risk pregnancy doctor in Sikar
If you are planning to become pregnant, you should definitely talk to an experienced gynecologist with expertise in high-risk pregnancy cases. She may advise you to attain a healthy weight before pregnancy begins and may ask you to start having folic acid along with a prenatal vitamin every day. If you possess a medical concern, the doctor might adjust your treatment or change your treatment to prepare you for pregnancy. Besides that, the gynecologist will explain in detail about the risks for you and the baby.
Treat your pre-existing medical condition
If you already have a medical issue such as lupus, kidney disorder, high blood pressure, heart disorder or diabetes, it is vital that you plan a pregnancy only after you have made sure that these underlying medical problems are getting proper treatments and you are in the best health for getting pregnant. For example, if you have diabetes, make sure that the sugar levels are controlled or if you have hypertension, ensure that it is treated suitably. To achieve the optimum possibilities of pregnancy, it is better to ensure that your pre-existing medical concerns are well managed before conceiving.
Test for genetic disorders and birth defects
At the very beginning of your pregnancy, have a detailed discussion with your gynecologist regarding the tests available to rule out any abnormalities in the baby. Some non-invasive tests and ultrasounds help in the early detection of any problem. Folic acid can help lower the risk of some forms of birth defects if taken before or during your early pregnancy.
