Pregnancy is a time for joy. But when you’re facing the risk of complications, anxiety, fear and uncertainty can take over. The term high-risk pregnancy does not in any way mean that you’re destined to have problems with your pregnancy. In fact, the majority of women who have so-called high-risk pregnancies go on to have problem-free pregnancies and give birth to healthy babies. A high-risk pregnancy results when some condition puts the mother or the developing fetus, or both, at an increased risk for complications during or after pregnancy and birth. A high-risk pregnancy can be stressful. A high-risk pregnancy might pose challenges before, during or after delivery. If you have a high-risk pregnancy, you and your baby might need special monitoring or care throughout your pregnancy.

Many things can put you at high risk. Being called “high-risk” may sound scary. But it’s just a way for doctors to make sure that you get special attention during your pregnancy. Your doctor will watch you closely during your pregnancy to find any problems early. The conditions listed below put you and your baby at a higher risk for problems, such as slowed growth for the baby, preterm labor, preeclampsia, and problems with the placenta. But it’s important to remember that being at high risk doesn’t mean that you or your baby will have problems. As many as 10 percent of pregnancies are considered high risk, but with expert care, 95 percent of these special cases result in the birth of healthy babies.

Specific factors that might contribute to a high-risk pregnancy include:  

1) Advanced maternal age. Pregnancy risks are higher for mothers age 35 and older and younger than 17.

2) Lifestyle choices. Smoking cigarettes, drinking alcohol and using illegal drugs can put a pregnancy at risk.

3) Medical history. A prior C-section, low birth weight baby or preterm birth — birth before 37 weeks of pregnancy — might increase the risks for subsequent pregnancies. Other risk factors include a fetal genetic condition, a family history of genetic conditions, a history of pregnancy loss or the death of a baby shortly after birth.

4) Underlying conditions. Chronic conditions — such as diabetes, high blood pressure, cancer, Kidney disease and epilepsy — increase pregnancy risks. A blood condition, such as anemia, an infection or an underlying mental health condition also can increase pregnancy risks.

5) Pregnancy complications. Various complications that develop during pregnancy pose risks, such as problems with the uterus, cervix or placenta, or severe morning sickness that continues past the first trimester. Other concerns might include too much amniotic fluid (polyhydramnios) or too little amniotic fluid (oligohydramnios), restricted fetal growth or Rh (rhesus) sensitization — a potentially serious condition that can occur when your blood group is Rh negative and your baby’s blood group is Rh positive.

6) Multiple pregnancy. Pregnancy risks are higher for women carrying twins or higher order multiples.

7) Overdue pregnancy. You might face additional risks if your pregnancy continues too long beyond the due date.

8) Your baby has been found to have a genetic condition, such as Down syndrome, or a heart, lung, or kidney problem.

9) You have had three or more miscarriages.

10) You had a problem in a past pregnancy, such as preterm labor, preeclampsia or seizures and having a baby with a genetic problem, such as Down syndrome.

11) You have an infection, such as HIV or hepatitis C. Other infections that can cause a problem include cytomegalovirus (CMV), chickenpox, rubella, toxoplasmosis, and syphilis.

Other health problems can make your pregnancy a high-risk. These include heart valve problems, sickle cell disease, asthma, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis. Talk to your doctor before if you have any health problems before conceiving.

What types of doctors are recommended for a high-risk pregnancy?

Some women will see a doctor who has extra training in high-risk pregnancies. These doctors are called maternal-fetal specialists, or perinatologists. You may see this doctor and your regular doctor. The specialist may be your doctor throughout your pregnancy.

To have a healthy pregnancy and healthy baby you must consider the following points.

Go to all your doctor visits so that you don’t miss tests to catch any new problems.

Eat a healthy diet that includes protein, milk and milk products, fruits, and vegetables.

Take any medicines, iron, or vitamins that your doctor prescribes.

Take folic acid daily. Folic acid is a B vitamin.

Follow your doctor’s instructions for physical activity and exercise.

Do not smoke. Avoid other people’s tobacco smoke.

Do not drink alcohol.

Stay away from people who have colds and other infections.

What else do I need to know about high-risk pregnancy?

Consult your health care provider about how to manage any medical conditions you might have during your pregnancy and how your health might affect labor and delivery. Ask your health care provider to discuss specific signs or symptoms to look out for, such as Vaginal bleeding, persistent headaches, pain or cramping in the lower abdomen, watery vaginal discharge, regular or frequent contractions, decreased fetal activity, pain or burning with urination and changes in vision, including blurred vision.

Talk to your clinic and specialist about the conditions in which you should contact them and when to seek emergency care. A high-risk pregnancy might have ups and downs. It is always best to stay positive and take steps to promote a healthy pregnancy. Your pregnancy requires extra-special care, so follow your doctor’s orders and try to relax. Thanks to advances in medical technologies and good prenatal care, you are more likely than ever to have a healthy pregnancy, delivery, and baby.

Rupal Hospital for Women is a premiere leader in women’s healthcare since 45 long years and is committed in providing women with the highest quality and most advanced healthcare throughout all stages of their pregnancy and their lives, from adolescence through menopause. Our team of experts specializes in helping to make a high-risk situation less stressful to mother, baby and the family members. Our specialists work hand-in-hand during the term of your pregnancy, during labor and delivery or during the post-partum period. Whether the pregnancy is complicated by either medical or obstetrical factors, our physicians and staff is dedicated to helping mothers and their babies obtain the best possible outcome. Our state-of-the-art technology and the medical expertise of our team enable the Rupal hospital for High Risk Pregnancies to provide a highly advanced level of care that is unique in the city of Surat, Gujarat. We follow our patients closely from the point of referral to delivery and beyond.

Contact our high-risk pregnancy health care team to deliver a full-term, healthy baby and happy family life at http://www.rupalhospital.com or schedule an appointment Call at +91-261-2591130