High-risk pregnancy is one that has a greater chance of both maternal and fetal complications during the course of the pregnancy and delivery. These pregnancies require strict medical supervision and often consultation.
High-risk pregnancy presents a variety of challenges before, during and after the birth. It is important that you understand what you can do to take care of yourself and your baby. We will provide important guidance and information during this challenging time.
Risk Factors
- Age of the mother: Women older than 35 years and particularly over 40 years are at higher risk for hypertension, diabetes, stillbirth and other adverse pregnancy outcomes.
- Lifestyle: Smoking, drinking alcohol. taking recreational drugs, stringent dieting increase pregnancy risks.
- Medical history: Family history of miscarriage, preterm labor and delivery or neonatal death. Early prenatal care is important in these pregnancies.
- Medical conditions: Chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, epilepsy, autoimmune disease increase the risk to a pregnancy.
- Complications during pregnancy: A history of abnormal uterus, placenta, or cervix increases the risk to the next pregnancy.
- Multiple Babies: Twins or higher order multiples are at increased risk for preterm labor, hypertension and diabetes.
Symptoms.
Symptoms that often occur during a high-risk pregnancy include:
- vaginal bleeding
- severe headache
- abdominal pain
- abnormal vaginal discharge
- early regular contractions
- decreased fetal movement
- pain with urination
- low back pain
- visual disturbances
Preventative Measures include:
- Plan your pregnancy. Consulting with our office before a pregnancy begins allows optimization of your health.
- Attend all of your prenatal appointments as this will improve the chance of detection of problems which can be managed in a timely manner.
- Eat a healthy diet.
- Stop bad habits such as alcohol, drugs and smoking.
- Be sure to check with our office before stopping or starting any medications.
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