High Risk Pregnancy

A high-risk pregnancy is one in which the mother, the baby, or both have a higher chance of complications compared to a typical pregnancy. High-risk pregnancies require close monitoring and specialized care to ensure the best possible outcomes for both the mother and the baby.

Maternal Age:

Women under 17 or over 35 are at higher risk.

Pre-existing Medical Conditions:

• Diabetes: Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
• High Blood Pressure: Chronic hypertension.
• Heart Disease: Various cardiovascular conditions.
• Kidney Disease: Renal complications can impact pregnancy.
• Autoimmune Disorders: Conditions like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis.

Pregnancy-Related Complications:

• Gestational Diabetes: Develops during pregnancy.
• Preeclampsia: High blood pressure and signs of damage to other organ systems.
• Multiple Pregnancy: Twins, triplets, or more.
• Placenta Problems: Placenta previa, placenta accreta.
• Preterm Labor: Labor that begins before 37 weeks of gestation.
• Previous Pregnancy Complications: History of preterm birth, stillbirth, or miscarriage.

Pregnancy-Related Conditions That Increase Risk

• Preeclampsia: A severe blood pressure disorder affecting various body parts, typically manifesting in the third trimester.
• HELLP Syndrome: A rare, preeclampsia-related condition involving hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count.
• Multiple Pregnancies: Carrying more than one fetus increases the risk of complications such as preeclampsia, early labor, and preterm delivery.
• Gestational Diabetes: Requires careful management to avoid complications.
• Placenta Previa: The placenta falls low in the uterus, potentially causing premature labor and bleeding.
• Placental Abruption: Early separation of the placenta from the uterine wall.
• Placenta Accreta: The placenta attaches too tightly to the uterine wall, risking hemorrhage after delivery.
• Infections: Certain infections can make a pregnancy high-risk.
• Preterm Labor: Regular contractions leading to cervical dilation before 37 weeks necessitate close monitoring.

When to See a Doctor

Seek medical attention if you notice any unexpected symptoms such as:

• Dizziness
• Chills and fever
• Swelling in multiple areas
• Changes in fetal movement (decreased or excessive)
• Vaginal bleeding or watery discharge
• Blurry vision and severe headache
• Constant lower abdominal cramping and discomfort
• Urinary discomfort
• Persistent vomiting and nausea

Tests

Common tests for high-risk pregnancies include:

• Special Ultrasound: Uses high-frequency sound waves to create an image of the baby and detect abnormalities.
• Ultrasound for Cervical Length: Estimates the size of the cervix to assess the risk of premature labor.
• Prenatal Cell-Free DNA Analysis: Evaluates the risk of chromosomal abnormalities using a maternal blood sample.
• Genetic Testing: Procedures like amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (CVS) identify genetic disorders and significant brain or spinal cord abnormalities.

High-Risk Pregnancy Symptoms

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek immediate medical attention:

• Vaginal bleeding
• Fluid leaking from the vagina
• Severe back or stomach pain and persistent pelvic pressure
• Fainting spells
• Intense abdominal or pelvic pain
• Lack of fetal movement
• Sudden swelling in hands, face, or feet