An Overview of High Risk Pregnancy

28 Jan An Overview of High Risk Pregnancy

If your pregnancy falls into the high-risk category, you may be concerned about your unborn baby’s health and may feel anxious and stressed out dealing with thousands of emotions at once, but don’t worry, Dr. Usha M Kumar, high risk pregnancy doctor in Delhi, will guide you through this article about what is a high-risk pregnancy, things you can do and take care of to minimise this risk and go ahead with the best possible experience and outcome.

What is high-risk pregnancy?

A high-risk pregnancy is a pregnancy that carries a greater risk to the health of the mother or baby than a safe pregnancy. To have a safe and successful pregnancy, labour, and delivery, you will need some particular medical care and regular monitoring of you and your unborn baby through additional prenatal check-ups.

Causes of High-risk pregnancy?

1. Age of the mother: It might be considered high-risk if you are above the age of 35 and under the age of 17.

2. Existing medical problems before pregnancy include:

• Hypertension
• Diabetes
• Cardiovascular disease
• Long-term liver illness
• Thyroid dysfunction
• Infections and blood disorders
• Depression
• HIV or AIDS
• Obesity or underweight
• PCOS (Polycystic ovarian syndrome)
• Previous surgical delivery

In the Mother:

• Preeclampsia (a condition during pregnancy characterized by high blood pressure and the presence of protein in the urine)
• Gestational Diabetes (Diabetes that is detected first time during pregnancy).
• Pregnancy Cholestasis (a liver disease with itching)

In Baby:

• Issues with growth
• Infections
• Genetic disorders, such as Down syndrome
• Having more than one baby, twins or multiple pregnancies
• The infant is in an unusual position

3. Tobacco, alcohol, and drug use: Smoking, drug use, and alcohol use increase the risk of miscarriage.

How to manage a high-risk pregnancy?

Even if you have a high-risk pregnancy, you may have a healthy and safe conclusion if you are aware of early and frequent prenatal treatment. Let’s have a look at how it can be done:

• Maintaining or achieving a healthy weight prior to and throughout pregnancy: Consult your doctor for pre-pregnancy counselling to determine the optimal weight for your height in order to have a healthy baby with minimal difficulties. This implies that your weight growth before and throughout pregnancy must be consistent with what your doctor has predicted. Too much and too little weight gain is dangerous. Adopt a balanced diet as recommended by your nutritionist. Consume more veggies, fruits, and healthy grains while avoiding junk food.
• Manage pre-existing health conditions: Always tell your doctor if you have any diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes (or a family history of it), previous miscarriages, mental health problems, previous vaccinations taken, particularly rubella, any difficulties in previous pregnancies if you are taking any medications, or a history of any abnormal baby in the family. The doctor will advise you appropriately.
• Take Prenatal Vitamins: Some supplements, such as: Folic acid- should be taken before two months of pregnancy to during pregnancy if you intend to become pregnant, Multivitamins, Iron supplements which is required for proper blood production, oxygen supply and growth and development of the growing child, Calcium and vitamin D which is essential for bone formation and immunity, Magnesium, Probiotics which helps to reduce digestive and gastric problems and Choline which is required for the development of the baby’s brain.
• You can also take herbal supplements like ginger (to reduce nausea) and fish oil (to develop the baby’s brain), but also consult with your doctor first.
• Maintain a regular schedule of doctor appointments, tests, and prescriptions, and strictly adhere to their directions. A visit to a preconceived doctor to learn more about pregnancy and get checked out is always helpful.
• Avoid alcohol, tobacco, and drugs during pregnancy: These might cause miscarriage and birth defects.

When should a high-risk pregnancy seek immediate medical attention?

• Extensive headaches.
• Bleeding or discharge from the vaginal area.
• Lower abdominal cramps or discomfort
• Less movement of the baby
• Pain or feeling of burning sensation when urinating
• Blurred vision
• Vomiting or persistent nausea
• High fever or chills
• Dizziness
• Swelling of hands
• Suspicious thoughts of hurting yourself or the baby

It is essential to visit your Gynae doctor on a frequent basis and to follow their instructions. Maintain a positive attitude and take actions to ensure a pleasant and healthy pregnancy and birth.

Conclusion:

A high-risk pregnancy may be adequately treated with the assistance of a good team comprising a well-qualified and experienced doctor, nutritionists, and other professionals. Dr. Usha M Kumar is the top high risk pregnancy doctor in Delhi, with extensive expertise in handling high risk pregnancy to get the best possible outcome.