High Risk Pregnancy

Medically speaking, pregnancies could be either straightforward, or low risk, that need routine antenatal care, or sometimes High risk. High Risk is a term used not to scare the parents, but just to explain that high risk pregnancies are the ones that need more care and monitoring.

Extra antenatal visits to monitor more closely

Referral to a specialist in maternal-fetal medicine, genetics, pediatrics or other areas

Various tests, Ultrasounds, or procedures in addition to routine prenatal screening tests

Tertiary care hospital that offers special care and facilities like level 3 nursery, ICU

Most women who have high risk pregnancies go on to deliver successfully and have healthy children.

What is a High Risk Pregnancy?

A mother could have a high risk pregnancy if:

Her age is under 17 or over 35

She has 5 or more children

She has become pregnant again within 3 months of her delivery

Lifestyle choices: Smoking, alcohol, illegal drugs

If a woman has underlying conditions like obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, epilepsy, anemia, infection, underlying renal, mental health condition, cancer, heart disease, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, or an autoimmune disorder

If she has had a previous surgery on the uterus like C-section, fibroid removal

She is carrying twin or multiple pregnancies

If the parents have a personal or family history of birth defects

If she has a personal or family history of uterine or placental abnormalities

If there were complications with prior pregnancies

There are fetal growth issues or abnormalities

If she suffered recurrent miscarriages or pregnancy loss

If she had a prior preterm delivery before 37 weeks gestation

A low risk pregnancy could turn into high risk at any time, if the mother develops complications like:

Problems with the uterus, cervix or placenta

Severe morning sickness (hyperemesis gravidarum)

Rh (rhesus) sensitization

Preterm labor

Hypertension in pregnancy

Placental abruption

Gestational diabetes

Cervical incompetence

Placenta previa

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR)/FGR

Polyhydramnios/oligohydramnios

Overdue pregnancy

What Steps Can Parents Take as Precautions to Prevent/Manage a High Risk Pregnancy?

Schedule a preconception appointment - Meet your gynecologist when planning pregnancy.

Be cautious when using assisted reproductive technology (ART) or IVF

Seek regular prenatal or antenatal care, don't miss your regular pregnancy checks

Eat a healthy diet

Gain weight wisely

Avoid risky substances

Stay away from people who have colds and other infections

What Warning Signs Should I Be Careful Of?

You should report to your doctor in case of:

Vaginal bleeding

Fever, loose motions, persistent vomiting

Pain or burning with urination

Pain or cramping or pelvic pressure in the lower abdomen

Watery vaginal discharge: in a gush or a trickle

Regular or frequent contractions — a tightening sensation in the abdomen

Baby has stopped moving or is moving much less than normal

Changes in vision, including blurred vision

Sudden swelling of your face, hands, or feet

Persistent headaches