A high risk pregnancy is a pregnancy which involves increased health risks for the pregnant person, foetus or both. Certain health conditions and age that is above 35 or under 17 can make a pregnancy high risk. These pregnancies require close monitoring to reduce the chances of complications. High risk pregnancies can impact both the mother and developing foetus , necessitating comprehensive medical attention. The increased vulnerability to complications during pregnancy can lead to heightened stress and anxiety for the mother, affecting her emotional well-being. Moreover, the potential for adverse health outcomes, such as preterm birth or low birth weight can significantly affect the long term health of the infant.

CAUSES OF HIGH RISK PREGNANCY

There are certain causes of high risk pregnancy-

• Maternal age- advanced maternal age (35 years or above) increases the risk of complications such as gestational diabetes and chromosomal abnormalities.
• Medical conditions- pre-existing medical conditions like hypertension, diabetes and auto-immune disorders can complicate the pregnancy
• Multiple pregnancies- women carrying twins, triplets or more are at higher risk due to increased demand on the maternal body
• Genetic factors- certain family history and genetic factors can increase the risk of complications
• Previous pregnancy complications- women who have experienced complications in previous pregnancies, such as pre-term or preeclampsia are at higher risks
• Lifestyle- smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, drug use and inadequate prenatal care may elevate the risk of complications.

POTENTIAL COMPLICATIONS OF HIGH RISK PREGNANCY

There are certain potential complications of high risk pregnancy like-

• Gestational diabetes- high blood sugar levels during pregnancy can lead to complications for both mother and child
• Preeclampsia- increased blood pressure and organ damage, it is a serious condition that can put both the mother and child in danger
• Pre-term birth- high risk pregnancies often result in premature delivery, leading to health issues to the baby
• Intrauterine growth retardation( IUGR)- IUGR occurs when the baby does not grow at the expected rate inside the women’s womb, leading to developmental issues
• Placenta previa- when the placenta covers part or all of the cervix, which can cause bleeding which impacts delivery
• Birth defects- some high risk pregnancies are associated with increased risk of congenital anomalies and genetic abnormalities.

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTS

• Blood and urine tests to check mothers health and foetus risk for genetic conditions
• Ultrasound- to ensure that the foetus is developing appropriately and people with high risk pregnancy usually have more frequent scans
• Biophysical profile and nonstress test

TREATMENT AND MANAGEMENT OF HIGH RISK PREGNANCY-

The effective treatment includes-

• Specialised prenatal care- women with high risk pregnancies require close monitoring by health care professionals, including obstetricians, maternal- foetal medicine specialist, other relevant specialists.
• Medication and therapies- depending on the specific conditions / complications medications may be prescribed to manage hypertension and gestational diabetes
• Proper bed rest and lifestyle changes-in some cases, healthcare providers may recommend bed rest or lifestyle modifications to reduce stress on the mother and promote healthy pregnancy
• Surgery- certain complications may require surgical interventions, such as caesarean sections or procedure to address placental issues
• Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU)- due to increased risk of pre-term, having access to NICU is crucial for the care of newborns with potential health issues

WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR

While a high- risk pregnancy can present challenges, advances in medical science and vigilant prenatal care have significantly improved the outcomes for both mothers and babies. Early identification of risk factors, regular monitoring, and appropriate medical treatment can contribute positive outcomes. Dr. Nikita Bharpoda is one of the best obstetrician and gynaecologist in Vadodara. Gujarat Kidney Hospital is one of the best hospital in Vadodara offering specialist health care services.