What’s High-risk Pregnancy & How to Manage it?

Expecting a baby is one of the most memorable journeys of your life. It’s an exciting time but 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. Over here we will discuss what’s a high-risk pregnancy, risk factors associated with it, and how to manage it.

A high-risk pregnancy is the one that either threatens the life of the mother or her unborn child. A high-risk pregnancy can be frightening and a cause for worry, but it’s not a reason to lose hope. With early and regular prenatal care most women with high-risk pregnancies are able to deliver healthy babies and stay healthy themselves.

Risk factors for a high-risk pregnancy
Not all high-risk pregnancies show signs of complications from the beginning. Some pregnancies become high-risk as they progress because of existing health conditions such as gestational diabetes and high blood pressure.

Here are a few common risks that increase the chances of pregnancy-related complications:

Maternal age: Pregnancy risks are higher for women who are either in their teens or older than 35 years. Young mothers are at the risk of delivering the baby prematurely. The baby may also have low birth weight. Young mothers are also at higher risk of developing preeclampsia, a pregnancy-related high blood pressure disorder. This can be fatal for the mother or the baby, if proper prenatal care is not taken. Getting pregnant at advanced age can increase the risk of gestational diabetes, preeclampsia and other pregnancy-related medical problems.

Maternal health before pregnancy: Obesity, diabetes, respiratory illness, thyroid, cardiovascular diseases, sexually transmitted diseases, and history of miscarriages can increase pregnancy risks.

Complications during pregnancy: There are certain medical conditions that may develop after you become pregnant. Abnormal placenta position, preeclampsia, low or high amniotic fluid levels are some of the problems that can complicate pregnancy.

Steps to manage a high-risk pregnancy:
All pregnancies have their ups and downs. The best way to take care of your baby is to take care of yourself. Whether you are planning to conceive or you are already pregnant, it’s important that you follow the basics of good prenatal care. Here are some ways to lower the risk of a high-risk pregnancy:

Schedule pre-pregnancy appointment: See a gynaecologist who can recommend lifestyle changes that may increase the chances of conception and also improve your chances for a healthy pregnancy and baby.

Seek regular prenatal care: Prenatal appointments with your gynaecologist are the best way to keep a track of your health and your baby’s health. If there is any medical problem, an early intervention can help you manage it properly.

Eat healthy: For the baby, the main source of nourishment is what the expectant mother eats. It is, therefore, important for you to have a diet that is full of healthy food. Avoid processed food and beverages that contain too much sugar.

Avoid risky substances: Alcohol, cigarettes, and drugs can cause irreversible and irreparable damage to the unborn child. They should be completely off-limits during pregnancy.

Are you in Siliguri and have been diagnosed with a high-risk pregnancy?

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.