High Risk Pregnancy: Symptoms, Treatments & Management

What is a high-risk pregnancy?

Any pregnancy that entails elevated health risks for the expectant mother, the foetus or both is referred to as a “high-risk” pregnancy. High-risk expectant mothers may require additional care before, during, and after giving delivery. Additional care and constant observation reduce the chances of negative outcomes.
It doesn’t necessarily follow that you or your baby will have issues if your pregnancy is regarded as high-risk. Despite having unique medical requirements, many people have healthy pregnancies, normal labour and delivery.

The Facts

Pregnancy-related risk factors include:

• Abnormal fetal position
• Moderate to severe preeclampsia
• Multiple pregnancy
• Placenta abruption
• Placenta previa
• Polyhydramnios or oligohydramnios
• Excessive use of drugs or alcohol
• Gestational diabetes (A1)
• Kidney infection
• Mild preeclampsia
• Rh sensitization only
• Severe anaemia < 9gm/dl haemoglobin
• Severe flu syndrome or viral disease
• Vaginal spotting
• Bladder infection
• Emotional problems
• Mild anaemia 9gm/dl haemoglobin
• Moderate alcohol use
• Smoking >= 1 pack per day

What is a high-risk pregnancy?

Any pregnancy that entails elevated health risks for the expectant mother, the foetus or both is referred to as a “high-risk” pregnancy. High-risk expectant mothers may require additional care before, during, and after giving delivery. Additional care and constant observation reduce the chances of negative outcomes.
It doesn’t necessarily follow that you or your baby will have issues if your pregnancy is regarded as high-risk. Despite having unique medical requirements, many people have healthy pregnancies, normal labour and delivery.

The Facts

Pregnancy-related risk factors include:

• Abnormal fetal position
• Moderate to severe preeclampsia
• Multiple pregnancy
• Placenta abruption
• Placenta previa
• Polyhydramnios or oligohydramnios
• Excessive use of drugs or alcohol
• Gestational diabetes (A1)
• Kidney infection
• Mild preeclampsia
• Rh sensitization only
• Severe anaemia < 9gm/dl haemoglobin
• Severe flu syndrome or viral disease
• Vaginal spotting
• Bladder infection
• Emotional problems
• Mild anaemia 9gm/dl haemoglobin
• Moderate alcohol use
• Smoking >= 1 pack per day

The Symptoms

Whether or not your pregnancy is regarded as high-risk, consult a doctor immediately if you suffer any of the following symptoms during your pregnancy:

• Persistent stomach ache.
• An ache in the chest.
• Feeling faint or dizzy.
• Extreme exhaustion.
• Stopping or slowing of the foetus motion.
• A body temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher.
• Intense morning sickness accompanied by nausea and vomiting.
• Persistent or worsening severe headache.
• Redness, swelling, or discomfort in your face or limbs.
• Imaginations and deliriums of hurting the foetus or oneself.
• Respiratory issues.
• Blood or secretions from the vagina.

The Potential Complications

A high-risk pregnancy can endanger the lives of the mother or the developing foetus. Severe issues might arise from:

• Preeclampsia (high blood pressure from pregnancy).
• Eclampsia (seizure from pregnancy).
• Premature birth.
• Excessive bleeding during pregnancy, childbirth, or both.
• Abnormal birth weight.
• Congenital disabilities.
• Issues with the brain development of the foetus.
• Miscarriage.
• Stillbirth.

Treatments and Management

Physicians typically take a multidisciplinary approach when dealing with high-risk pregnancies. Some common treatments for high-risk pregnancies include:

1. Close monitoring: Physicians will monitor high-risk pregnancies more closely, including regular ultrasounds and prenatal appointments. This helps identify potential problems early so that they can be addressed without any further ado.
2. Medications: Depending on the specific condition, gynaecologists may prescribe medications to help manage high-risk pregnancies. For example, women with hypertension may be prescribed medication to help lower their blood pressure and reduce the risk of complications.
3. Lifestyle modifications: Certain lifestyle modifications, such as quitting smoking, avoiding alcohol, and maintaining a healthy diet, can help manage high-risk pregnancies.
4. Medical procedures: In some cases, medical procedures may be necessary to manage a high-risk pregnancy. For example, women with placenta previa, a condition in which the placenta partially or completely eclipses the cervix, may require a caesarean section delivery.
5. Collaboration with specialists: Gynaecologists may collaborate with specialists such as maternal-fetal medicine specialists, neonatologists, or genetic counsellors to help manage high-risk pregnancies.
6. Preterm labour prevention: Women with high-risk pregnancies may be at a higher risk of preterm labour, so gynaecologists may take measures to help prevent premature birth, such as prescribing medication to delay labour or recommending bed rest.

Overall, the approach to managing high-risk pregnancies will depend on the specific condition and the unique needs of each patient. If you are suffering from the symptoms or anticipating a high-risk pregnancy, don’t shy away from contacting us. We will guide you to a safe pregnancy.