HIGH RISK PREGNANCY

Pregnant women and their babies are at increased risk of health problems before, during and after delivery and special monitoring is needed throughout pregnancy.

Risk factors for a high-risk pregnancy?

• Advanced maternal age. i.e. mothers older than age 35.
• Lifestyle. Smoking, drinking and drug abuse.
• Medical history.  Hypertension, diabetes, heart diseases, poorly controlled asthma, infections, and blood-clotting disorders increase pregnancy related risks.
• Surgical history.  Multiple C-sections, multiple abdominal surgeries or surgery for uterine tumors (fibroids).
• Pregnancy complications.  Abnormal placenta position, fetal growth restriction and Rh (rhesus) isoimmunization.
• Multiple pregnancy.  In women carrying twins or higher order multiples, pregnancy risks are higher.

How can I promote a healthy pregnancy?

• Schedule a preconception appointment. With the very first thought of becoming pregnant, consult your gynecologist. She will counsel you to take daily vitamins with folic acid and reach a healthy weight even before you become pregnant. Any ongoing medical disease needs to be treated.
• Seek regular prenatal care. Antenatal visits help to monitor your and your baby’s health.
• Eat a healthy diet. Increase your folic acid, protein, calcium and iron.
• Gain weight wisely. Right amount of weight gain can support your baby’s health and makes it easier to shed the extra pounds after delivery.
• Avoid risky substances. Smoking, alcohol and drug abuse are to be avoided.

What special tests are needed?

• Specialized or targeted ultrasound. This type of fetal ultrasound is used to target a suspected problem and abnormal development.
• Amniocentesis. It is typically done after week 15 of pregnancy. A sample of amniotic fluid is withdrawn and sent for examination. It can identify certain genetic conditions and serious abnormalities of the brain or spinal cord.
• Chorionic villus sampling (CVS). Here, cells are taken directly from the placenta between 10 and 12 weeks of pregnancy.
• Cordocentesis.  Baby’s blood is sampled from the umbilical cord for testing certain genetic disorders, blood conditions and infections.
• Ultrasound for cervical length. Done to measure the length of your cervix to determine the at risk of preterm labor.
• Lab tests. Routine blood tests and urine examination is adviced. Additional screening tests for infectious diseases such as HIV and syphilis are also required.
• Biophysical profile. It is used to evaluate fetal well-being.

What are the warning signs that I need to take care of?

• Vaginal bleeding
• Severe headaches
• Pain or cramping in the lower abdomen
• Watery vaginal discharge.
• Regular or frequent contractions.
• Decreased fetal movement.
• Pain or burning with urination
• Changes in vision, including blurred vision

Presence of these signs and symptoms warrant prompt action and emergency care.

The best possible way to promote a healthy pregnancy is to become responsible and stay aware of the warning signs and take immediate steps.