High-Risk Pregnancies & Deliveries

A high-Risk Pregnancy is one that poses increased health risks to the mother, baby, or both during pregnancy, delivery, or postpartum. This may be due to existing medical conditions, complications that arise during pregnancy, or issues related to the mother’s age, lifestyle, or previous pregnancy history.

Common Causes :

High-Risk Pregnancies may result from one or more of the following factors:

• Maternal age (younger than 17 or older than 35)
• Heart, thyroid, or sugar-related disorders.
• Previous complications such as miscarriage, stillbirth, or preterm birth
• Multiple gestation (twins, triplets, etc.)
• Placental abnormalities
• Lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol, or substance use

Symptoms & Warning Signs :

Early detection is crucial. Watch for:

• Severe abdominal pain or cramping
• Excessive or unusual vaginal bleeding
• Decreased fetal movement
• High blood pressure or swelling in hands, face, and legs
• Sudden weight gain or severe headaches
• Blurred vision or visual disturbances

Diagnosis & Treatment :

A High-Risk Pregnancy requires specialized care including:

• Regular prenatal check-ups and advanced fetal monitoring
• Ultrasound scans to track fetal development
• Lab tests for early detection of complications
• Medications to manage chronic conditions or prevent preterm labor
• Nutritional guidance and lifestyle counseling
• Delivery planning in a facility equipped for critical obstetric care

Prevention & Management :

While not all high-risk factors can be avoided, many can be managed effectively with:

• Early and regular prenatal care
• Managing chronic health conditions proactively
• Maintaining a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle
• Avoiding harmful substances (alcohol, tobacco, drugs)