Did you know?
- According to NHFS-5 (National Family Health Survey), 4% of pregnancies in India have one or more than one high risk factor.
- Every year, several women die because of a high-risk pregnancy.
- Preeclampsia covers 3% to 8% of cases, and out of that, 16% of maternal deaths occurred due to this only.
- Pre-existing health conditions are the ones that conclude high-risk pregnancy in the majority of women.
What is High-risk Pregnancy?
When a pregnancy involves high risk to the mother as well as to the baby. There is no specific time to detect whether the pregnancy involves risk or not. If a woman has a family history of pregnancy complications, she is dealing with health concerns, some environmental factors, and many more factors that influence the outcomes. High-risk pregnancy increases the risk to the mother as well as to the baby by 50%, and it can even result in stillbirth and can be life-threatening for the mother as well.
One thing that every woman should know is-
As maternal age increases, the risk involve around pregnancy also increase.
Pregnancy after 35 is considered as the advance maternal age, and this age carries a high risk of complications like gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, genetic changes, and environmental factors.
Women under 17 are also at risk because their reproductive system may still be growing; these growth issues can increase the risk of preterm and low birth weight, and high blood pressure.
Signs of Pregnancy- Which are Quite Normal and Which are Not?
Each woman’s experience is unique in pregnancy. Nevertheless, some of the signs of pregnancy that one may experience are normal, but some signs can indicate a risk.
| Normal Pregnancy Symptoms | High-Risk Pregnancy Symptoms |
| Missed period- it becomes the initial sign that makes ladies realize the need to conduct tests to determine if they are pregnant. Nevertheless, women whose menstrual cycles are irregular may recognize that they are pregnant through other signs. | Vaginal bleeding: if you start experiencing heavy bleeding during pregnancy, then it might be a sign of miscarriage and other complications. |
| Nausea: this is another sign of pregnancy which is commonly referred to as morning sickness. The sick feeling can occur at any time of the day. | Severe nausea and vomiting: morning sickness is common, but if you are throwing up more than three times a day and are unable to keep any food, this might be Hyperemesis Gravidarum (extreme dehydration, weight loss, and electrolyte imbalance). |
| Fatigue: it is one of the signs of pregnancy. Your body will try to adapt to the new situation, and, hence, due to increased progesterone levels, you will feel extremely fatigued. So, it is best to rest well and take care of yourself. | Persistent abdominal pain: cramps are normal, but continuous abdominal pain, especially on one side os stomach, is a warning sign and might be a sign of ectopic pregnancy pr preterm labour. |
| Breast Changes: this includes tender breasts, swollen breasts, darkened nipples and sensitive breasts. These are also necessary, as these help to prepare your body for lactation. | High blood pressure: gestational hypertension can reduce the blood flow in the placenta and can lead to preterm birth or low birth weight. Headache, blurred vision, and swelling in the hands are signs. |
| Increased Frequency of Urination: increased frequency of urination is caused by hormone changes and an increased amount of blood going through your kidneys, and it is completely normal. | High fever and chills: chills accompanied by body aches, rashes, and extreme fatigue could be a sign of infection. The risk of UTI during pregnancy is high due to hormonal changes, and it can be a sign of fever and chills. |
| Mood Swings: Mood swings are caused by rapid hormonal changes. In one minute you can feel fine and in another, very emotional. Getting enough sleep, doing exercises, and spending time with your family will help. Food cravings and food aversions are some types of food cravings in some ladies and food aversion in others. Moreover, vomiting can be induced by the smell of something that smells bad. | Decreased fetal movement- if the baby is not receiving proper oxygen and nutrition from the placenta, then it can impact your baby. |
| Spotting: some women experience spotting in their pregnancies, and it is different from the menstrual flow in the following way: it is light pink/brown, occurs for only one or two days, is light, and if spotting is heavy, a consultation with a doctor becomes necessary. | Preterm contractions: if your contraction comes unexpected and become more frequent along with back pain, kindly seek medical care. |
| Bloating and Constipation: hormones secreted during pregnancy slow down the digestive process | Heart palpitations: due to hormonal shifts, women do experience increased heart rate during pregnancy, but if it comes with chest pain, trouble breathing, persistent rapid heart rate, sudden swelling, and fainting, then make sure to contact your gynecologist. |
Causes of High-risk Pregnancy
Several factors that should not be avoided-
- High blood pressure
- Any health condition like kidney disease, HIV, cancer, etc
- Obesity
- Autoimmune disease like lupus or multiple sclerosis
- Diabetes, or if you were diagnosed with gestational diabetes
- Mental health issues like depression
- PMOS (polyendocrine metabolic ovarian disorder)
- Thyroid disease
- Blood clotting disorder
- Gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, and eclampsia
- Too much amniotic fluid
- Placenta previa or placental abruption
- Previous preterm birth
- Multiple gestation
Important Instruction:
Make sure to choose a hospital which have NICU unit. A neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is crucial for women, especially if their case comes under High-risk pregnancy. This specific section or unit of the hospital can help in case of an emergency just after the delivery, and through immediate and specialised medical intervention, an expert can provide advanced life support to the baby.
But why is this unit so important?
So, understand this. At that moment, your baby might be in a fragile condition, and through regular equipment or machines, it is not possible to provide the level of support that your baby needs. NICU is equipped with specialised incubators, mechanical ventilators, breathing supports, monitors and lines to support the baby’s condition. Cradle Children Hospital does not take anything lightly, and their NICU unit have high quality equipments, which ensures a safe environment for the newborn baby.
High-risk Pregnancy Management and Treatment
Management:
- It is highly probable that following the precautions during first trimester management can make sure that your pregnancy will become a success.
Eating healthy food is the best way to manage hormones, and it includes:
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- Proteins
- Grains
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Dairy products
- Fats
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- Maintaining healthy eating habits is very essential in both your body development as well as that of your baby. Taking folic acid supplements becomes essential during early pregnancy stages. This will help to prevent several complications, like developmental complications of your baby’s brain and spine. The folic acid should be consumed according to the instructions provided by your doctor.
- Make sure to consume lots of water on a daily basis. It is essential for the prevention of:
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- Constipation
- Good circulation
- Formation of amniotic fluid
- Dehydration
- No alcohol intake and no smoking
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In case you drink alcohol and smoke, the following consequences will be experienced:
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- Abortions
- Premature births
- Malformations
- Low birth weight
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It is highly recommended not to drink, smoke, or take any drugs because there is a risk of getting pregnant.
- Small amounts of caffeine can be taken, but large intake of caffeine is not recommended. It affects the changes in blood flow; coffee takes more time to clear caffeine out of the blood, and it can also raise heart rate and blood pressure.
- Moderate physical exercises suit you if there are no contraindications. For instance, you may perform the following physical exercises when pregnant:
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- Walking
- Pregnancy yoga
- Stretching
- Pregnancy trainings
- Do not perform those physical exercises that lead to falling with harm to the abdomen.
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- It is very important for you to have 7-9 hours of sleep per day. Sleeping helps you to have a high level of immunity and good health overall.
- Many medications are safe before pregnancy but dangerous during pregnancy. Consult with your gynecologist regarding the following medications:
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- Pain killers
- Antibiotics
- Herbal treatment
- Ayurvedic treatment
- Non-prescription medication
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These might look normal for you, but they are crucial to maintain your pregnancy and can protect you from complications. Further, make sure to follow the instructions of your gynecologist to smooth your journey to becoming a parent.
Treatment:
- It is important to communicate all health conditions with your gynecologist.
- Treating pre-existing health conditions.
- Regular monitoring and regular gynecological visits to ensure that health does not worsen
- Taking medications on time
Conclusion
As a mother, it is tormenting to know that your pregnancy is a high-risk pregnancy. But sometimes, it happens due to some pre-existing conditions, but your negligence can also worsen the situation. That is why gynecologists always ask couples about their health condition and family history to get clarity. Cradle Children Hospital wants every mother to have a safe and healthy pregnancy till delivery and after that also. But they can only help you if you are willing to take steps also. Consulting with a gynecologist, ensuring every step they mention, and regular check-ups are the one which can help to smooth the process.
Also, if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, it is best to consult with an expert at Cradle Children’s Hospital, because choosing the right clinic is in your hands.
Book your consultation today and start a journey to a healthy pregnancy and motherhood.
