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Understanding High-Risk Pregnancy
In this article:
A pregnancy is labelled as high-risk when there’s a greater chance of complications for the pregnant person, the baby, or both. These risks may be due to factors in the pregnancy itself, or they may stem from pre-existing maternal medical conditions, such as cancer, diabetes, or lupus.
However, being classified as high-risk doesn’t mean a negative outcome is inevitable. It simply indicates that additional care, more frequent monitoring, and sometimes specific lifestyle adjustments might be necessary to help minimise any potential risks.
What Makes a Pregnancy High-Risk?
1. Health problems people have before exerting themselves
Some health problems may increase the chance of problems while a woman is pregnant.
- Type 1 or 2 diabetes may result in infants being born larger, born too early or it may lead to birth defects.
- In Hypertension (High Blood Pressure), there is a possibility that the placenta doesn’t function well or that it leads to preeclampsia.
- If thyroid issues are not successfully handled during pregnancy, they might negatively affect the baby’s brain or even lead to a miscarriage.
- Autoimmune disorders (including lupus) may increase the risk of a baby not developing or not being born.
- Diseases of the heart or kidneys may prevent your body from nourishing an expanding pregnancy.
- If a woman is under 17 years old, she could face the risks of anaemia, high blood pressure and premature labour.
- With increased age, having gestational diabetes, Down syndrome, and problems during labour becomes more common.
A few conditions can only happen during pregnancy and should be carefully watched.
- Most people with Gestational Diabetes are able to control it by following a healthy diet and exercising, yet you must attend regular medical visits; occasional medication or insulin could be necessary.
- Preeclampsia refers to a serious disorder where blood pressure rises and there is protein in the urine.
- In Placenta Previa, the placenta covers the cervix fully, raising possible bleeding problems.
- When a mother has twins or more, they may face having a premature birth and delivering babies who weigh little.
4. Lifestyle and the environment
- Taking part in smoking, drinking alcohol or misusing drugs
- Eating an unbalanced diet can mean the person is quite underweight or overweight
- Not having enough prenatal care
- Localities or environments that have dangerous or polluted air
Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Overlook
Recognising which symptoms are dangerous for your health can be very helpful for your well-being.
- Lots of bleeding or mysterious fluid leaking
- Pain that is felt in the abdomen or pelvis
- Seeing unclear images or experiencing strong headaches
- Swelling all of a sudden or in large amounts in your face, hands or feet
- A very high body temperature
- Reduced movement by your baby
How to Prepare For a High-Risk Pregnancy
Preparing for a high-risk pregnancy might feel daunting, but it doesn’t mean you’re out of options. There are plenty of ways to nurture both your physical and emotional well-being during this time.1. Choose the Right Healthcare Team
- Obstetrician with high-risk experience: Make sure to find an obstetrician with knowledge in handling difficult pregnancies.
- Maternal-Foetal Medicine (MFM) Specialist: You may be referred to a Maternal-Foetal Medicine (MFM) specialist if your case needs something more specific.
- Frequent visits: It is very important to visit often to keep an eye on your health and your baby’s development.
- Foetal echocardiograms
- Doppler scans
- Glucose tolerance tests.
- Cervix length monitoring
2. Follow a Personalised Care Plan
Your healthcare provider will recommend a plan that’s specifically designed for your health needs. This might include:
- Medications: To help manage blood pressure, diabetes, or thyroid issues.
- Diet and exercise: Tailored nutrition plans and light physical activities, as suggested.
- Hospital bed rest or limited physical activity: Only if advised to lower the risk of premature labour.
- Monitoring your baby’s growth: Through regular ultrasounds and scans.
3. Nutrition and Supplements
Your diet is where your baby gets most of their important nutrients. Here are a few helpful tips for eating healthy.
- Split your meals into many parts to keep your energy stable.
- A higher intake of spinach, legumes, and jaggery will supply you with iron.
- Be sure to consume enough calcium and vitamin D to have strong bones.
- Take supplements that include folic acid to decrease the risk of neural tube defects.
- Drink a lot of water to keep yourself hydrated.
Should your diet be managed for health reasons, it is a good idea to talk to a prenatal nutritionist or dietitian.
4. Mental Health Support
Pregnancy can stir up a lot of emotions for anyone, and when it’s high-risk, those feelings can become even more intense. You might experience:
- Feelings of isolation or fear
- Guilt about needing extra rest
- Anxiety about delivery or your baby’s health
- Prenatal counselling with trained therapists
- Support groups, especially for those dealing with pregnancy loss, chronic conditions, or high-risk situations
- Mindfulness practices like breathing exercises, journaling, or yoga (if approved)
5. Planning for Labour and Delivery
Early planning is always a good idea.
- Talk to your healthcare provider about which options are available for delivering the baby such as vaginal, assisted or a C-section.
- Look if the hospital offers a NICU to take care of your baby.
- Discuss with your doctor which steps to follow in case of an emergency.
- Before you need your hospital bag, put everything inside, such as important documents and any medications you’ll require.
Emotional Support Is Equally Important
- If you get upset with your body, understand that getting additional care is about being strong, not weak.
- You can trust your loved ones and seek their help. Having people you trust along the way can really help a lot.
- Do not try to measure your progress against that of other people. Each pregnancy is different from the next.
- Bring it on, step by step. Even if the advancement is tiny, make sure to recognise it.
FAQs on High-Risk Pregnancy: What it Means and How to Prepare
- Does high-risk mean I’ll have a complicated delivery?
Not necessarily! Many high-risk pregnancies can lead to smooth deliveries, especially when early interventions are in place. - Can I travel during a high-risk pregnancy?
It really depends on your specific situation and how far along you are. Always check in with your doctor before making any travel plans. - What are the chances of needing early delivery?
There might be a slightly increased risk of preterm labour, particularly with conditions like gestational hypertension, placenta issues, or if you're having multiples. But don’t worry, it doesn’t happen in every case. - Can I have a normal vaginal delivery?
Absolutely, depending on the risks involved. Your doctor will guide you on the safest delivery method based on your health and your baby’s condition. - Should I stop working during a high-risk pregnancy?
Not necessarily! Your doctor might allow you to keep working with some adjustments, like taking more breaks, avoiding long trips, or even switching to remote work. Some conditions might require a longer leave, though.
