Effective management of High Risk Pregnancy

Pregnancy can be an overwhelming experience for many women. The physical and hormonal changes that come along with it are unique. Each & every moment of pregnancy becomes emotional and memorable for lifetime. Although it’s an exciting time, it can be equally challenging. Having health issues during pregnancy can be worrisome. There are different health conditions that can make your pregnancy a high-risk one. However, with early prenatal care and regular check-ups, one can still conceive a healthy baby. 

In this blog post, we shall understand the several risk factors behind a high-risk pregnancy, and what possible steps you can take to ensure the best outcomes.

 

Symptoms 

If you ever experience any high-risk pregnancy symptoms, then you must immediately get medical attention: 

1. Loss of consciousness
2. Fluid leaking from your vagina
3. Tenacious pelvic pressure or back pain
4. Baby is moving less than normal or not moving at all
5. Vaginal bleeding
6. Agonizing pain in pelvis or belly
7. Signs of pre-eclampsia like abrupt swelling of your hands, feet or face; vision problems such as dimness or blurring and a severe headache

 

Risk factors for a High-risk Pregnancy 

A high-risk pregnancy may be the result of a medical ailment before pregnancy. This condition can cause your pregnancy to become high risk. 

Specific risk factors for a high-risk pregnancy include: 

1. Maternal health issues: High blood pressure, diabetes, epilepsy, obesity, thyroid disease, heart or blood conditions, asthma, and infections can boost pregnancy perils in women. 

2. High maternal age: For females older than 35, pregnancy risks are usually higher. 

3. Lifestyle habits: Smoking cigarettes, consuming alcohol, taking prohibited drugs etc. are some of the lifestyle choices that can put your pregnancy at risk.

4. Pregnancy problems: Numerous complications that build up during pregnancy can pose risks. For example, an abnormal placenta position, (Rh) sensitization, (foetal growth restriction), etc.  

5. Numerous pregnancies: Pregnancy risks are greater for females carrying twins or higher-order multiples.

6. Pregnancy history: A history of pregnancy-related hypertension illnesses can augment your chances of developing pregnancy-related disorders during your next pregnancy. 

If you conceived prematurely or you had many premature births, then it is likely for you to have an early delivery in your next pregnancy. Therefore, consult with a health expert about your full obstetric history.

 

Tips for Managing a High-Risk Pregnancy

If you’re experiencing a high-risk pregnancy, then follow these tips for managing your and your baby’s health effectively. 

 

1. Stay Aware: One must be fully aware and informed about certain aspects to manage high-risk pregnancy effectively. For instance, find out what makes your pregnancy so risky, how can you follow a healthy lifestyle throughout your pregnancy and be mindful of the risks of your pregnancy. 

The last part is of utmost importance. You must deal with common but risky conditions such as gestational diabetes, heart diseases, hypertension, and so on effectively. 

2. Give importance to your Self-Care: Prioritising your personal care can ensure a better result for yourself and your baby. 

This includes the intake of nutritional diet, decreasing exposure to pollutants and damaging environmental factors, exercising regularly, having sufficient sleep preventing conditions that cause stress.

3. Visit your doctor frequently: Consistent prenatal schedules with your doctor is significant if you wish to monitor the well-being of you and your baby. 

Moreover, you must also work with your doctor and create a pre-emptive plan for maternal care and delivery. This can help you develop peace of mind as you advance towards your due date.

4. Build a support system: Stay in the presence of your family and friends and converse your needs and concerns with them. 

You may be undergoing several lifestyle changes that might demand you to scale back on duties and commitments. Thus, ensure you keep in touch with a team of medical experts to guide you and your loved ones through your pregnancy. 

You can also join a high-risk pregnancy support group to communicate your concerns and feelings with those who are in similar conditions as you. 

5. Sort out your mental health concerns: It has been noted that anxiety or depression is a common aspect among women suffering from obstetric pregnancy problems. This makes it extremely crucial to address certain mental health issues. 

Many women may also start blaming themselves for their health conditions. Hence, you should consult your health expert if you are facing these signs and are interfering in your day-to-day life. 

 

Final words

If you have been diagnosed with a high-risk pregnancy, you just need to follow the medical advice of your gynaecologist to lower the risk of any problems. You can also consult our team at the Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology. Our team includes some of the best obstetricians & gynaecologists in Siliguri. The team is well-trained and experienced in managing emergency high-risk pregnancies, normal deliveries and caesarean deliveries. 

Book your appointment here.

Disclamer

Though all attempts are made to provide correct information on the subject, inadvertent & typographical errors arising out of manual intervention cannot be ruled out. It is requested to bring any such discrepancies to the notice of the blogger for correction.