Most pregnancies are uncomplicated and with expert care often result with few complications. Some women, however, have medical difficulties related to their health or the health of their developing fetus. These women experience what is called a high-risk pregnancy .Understanding a high-risk pregnancy helps prepare a pregnant woman and her developing baby with the steps that she might need for a successful pregnancy.
What is a high risk pregnancy?
A high-risk pregnancy is one that threatens the health or life of the mother or her fetus. It often requires specialized care from specially trained health care providers. Some pregnancies become high risk as they progress, while some women are at increased risk for complications even before they get pregnant – for a variety of reasons. Seeing your obstetrician early and regularly, during the prenatal period, can help many women have healthy pregnancies and deliveries without complications.
A woman’s pregnancy might be considered high risk if she:
• is age 19 or younger
• is age 35 or older
• was underweight or overweight before becoming pregnant
• is pregnant with twins, triplets, or other multiples
• has high blood pressure, diabetes, depression, or another health problem
• had problems with a previous pregnancy, including premature labor or having a child with a genetic problem or birth defect
• has a history of smoking and taking illegal drugs
• engages in excessive use of alcohol
Surgical history. A history of surgery on the uterus, including multiple C-sections, multiple abdominal surgeries or surgery for uterine tumours (fibroids) can increase pregnancy risks.
Pregnancy complications. Various complications that develop during pregnancy can pose risks. Examples include an abnormal placenta (after-birth) position, fetal growth less than the 10th percentile for gestational age (fetal growth restriction) and Rh (rhesus) sensitization.
What to do if you are considered a high risk pregnancy?
All women who have any medical disorder and are considering pregnancy should see their obstetrician prior to becoming pregnant. This is important so that various steps can be taken, prior to pregnancy, to reduce complications during pregnancy. It is important that the woman works with her doctor or care team to get any health problems that can be managed under control.
Other important tips for a healthy pregnancy include:
• See your doctor early in and throughout your pregnancy for prenatal care.
• Eat a healthy diet (getting plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, etc.) and exercise if your doctor gives the green light.
• Gain a healthy amount of weight (not too much or too little).
• Reduce stress in your life.
If you have a high-risk pregnancy you or your baby might be at increased risk of health problems before, during or after delivery. Typically, special monitoring or care throughout pregnancy is needed. You might need more frequent visits to the doctor as well as more specialized tests and investigations. It is however important to remain positive during the entire pregnancy, and take measures to relieve stressful situations.
Conclusion
A pregnancy is considered high-risk when there are potential complications that could affect the mother, the baby, or both. High-risk pregnancies require management by a specialist to help ensure the best outcome for the mother and baby. Modern technology and expert medical care have improved the outcome of high-risk pregnancies for most women, but for this to be achieved it requires the cooperation of the pregnant woman. Early identification of a high-risk pregnancy is crucial in decreasing the complications to the pregnant woman and her developing fetus.
Ask Your Dr is a health education column and is not a substitute for medical advice from your physician. The reader should consult his or her physician for specific information concerning specific medical conditions. While all reasonable efforts have been made to ensure that all information presented is accurate, as research and development in the medical field are ongoing, it is possible that new findings may supersede some data presented.
Dr Brett Hodge MB BS DGO MRCOG is an obstetrician/Gynaecologist and Family Doctor with over thirty-six years in clinical practice. Dr Brett Hodge has a medical practice in The Johnson Building in The Valley (Tel: 264 497 5828).
