What is a High Risk Pregnancy?

By Medical Expert Team

May 12 , 2017 | 1 min read

A pregnancy is considered to be risky if the potential complications could affect the health and well-being of the mother, baby or both. At Max, Pitampura, Dr. Uma Vaidyanathan works closely with clinicians of other specialities to develop the best outcome for the mother and baby.

What are the Risk Factors for High-Risk Pregnancy?

Maternal Age: Women who will be under age 17 or over age 35 when their baby is due are at greater risk of complications such as miscarriage and genetic defects.
Medical conditions that exist before pregnancy: Conditions such as high blood pressure; breathing, kidney, or heart problems; diabetes; Hypothyroidism, autoimmune disease; epilepsy or chronic infections such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C
Medical conditions that occur during pregnancy such as Pregnancy Induced Hypertension and Diabetes

When is it called as a High-Risk Pregnancy?

Premature/preterm labour begins before 37 weeks of pregnancy.
Multiple births (twins, triplets, quadruplets, etc.).
Placenta previa is a condition in which the placenta covers the cervix. The condition can cause life-threatening bleeding, especially if a woman has contractions.
Fetal problems, which can sometimes be seen on ultrasound. Approximately 2% to 3% of all babies have a minor or major structural problem in development.
h/o Previous surgery such as previous caesarian or myomectomy( fibroid removal)
Uterine anomalies such as the bicornuate uterus, double uterus which place the mother at risk for preterm birth.

How can Pregnancy complications be prevented and treated?

Dr Uma Vaidyanathan says, even if you don't have an existing health problem, we still recommend you a preconception appointment to ensure you have a healthy pregnancy. At your appointment with a gynaecologist, you may be advised with a treatment to reduce the complications during pregnancy like:

Folic acid supplementation, beginning before and continuing through pregnancy
If you have a medical condition, your treatment will be adjusted to prepare for pregnancy. Your health care provider might also discuss your risk of having a baby with a genetic condition.
Getting proper immunisations
Eating a healthy diet and maintaining proper weight
Getting regular physical activity, unless advised otherwise by your gynaecologist
Avoiding cigarettes, alcohol, and drugs (except for medications approved by your gynaecologist)

It is necessary that you see your gynaecologist regularly to know about your condition.