High-risk Pregnancy Care

What is high-risk pregnancy?

A woman has a high-risk pregnancy when she or her baby or both of them are at an increased risk of developing health problems during or before delivery, or if the mother has an existing condition that could affect childbirth or result in preterm delivery. The woman’s risk factors include high blood pressure, diabetes, depression or another a previous or existing health problem or history of premature labour or having a child with a birth defect.

Diagnosis of high-risk pregnancy

A high-risk pregnancy can be detected at an early stage with the help of a thorough medical examination. Continuous monitoring of physical health and personal habits help a health care provider in identifying any risks/problems that develop during pregnancy. Once diagnosed, the woman at high risk receives special care from healthcare providers who are experts in managing high-risk pregnancies.

Risk factors of high-risk pregnancy

The major factors that contribute to high-risk pregnancy include:

• Maternal age (Those above 35 are at a greater risk)

• Lifestyle choices like smoking, alcoholism and drug abuse

• Maternal health conditions like high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, epilepsy, thyroid disease, heart or blood disorders, asthma, preeclampsia, depression, HIV and lupus

• Complications in pregnancy like abnormal placenta position, less foetal growth and Rh sensitization.

• Multiple pregnancy (twins, triplets or higher order multiples)

• History of hypertension disorders such as preeclampsia, or premature delivery

Preventive measures in case of possibility of high-risk pregnancy

If women know earlier that they are prone to high-risk pregnancy, they should follow these:

• Schedule a preconception appointment with the gynaecologist for counselling, daily dosage of prenatal vitamin with folic acid and reach a healthy weight before planning to have a baby.

• Regular prenatal visits help the doctor monitor the health of the mother and the baby.

• Practise clean habits by quitting smoking, drinking and drug abuse.

• Gain the right amount of weight and stay active

• Look after your emotional well-being

Danger signs

Watch out for these symptoms of high-risk pregnancy:

• Vaginal bleeding or watery vaginal discharge

• Severe headaches

• Pain or cramps in lower abdomen

• Decreased foetal activity

• Pain or burning with urination

• Changes in vision, including blurred vision

• Sudden or severe swelling in the face, hands or fingers

• Fever or chills

• Vomiting or persistent nausea

• Dizziness

• Thoughts of harming self or baby

Why Dream Flower IVF Centre ?

High-risk pregnancy naturally causes anxiety in parents-to-be about the health and wellness of the baby. However, good prenatal care makes it possible to have a healthy baby even if the pregnancy is high-risk. Experts at Dream Flower are here to listen to your concerns and offer all possible solutions to it.