Whether it's your first pregnancy or your fourth, being told that your pregnancy is high-risk can be worrying. A high-risk pregnancy means there are higher chances of health concerns for the mother, the baby, or both. In these situations, extra care and close medical monitoring are crucial to reduce the risk of complications and ensure a safe pregnancy journey.

What is a High-Risk Pregnancy?

Every pregnancy comes with some level of risk, but certain complications during pregnancy or delivery can make it high-risk. This occurs when the mother, baby, or both face an increased chance of complications during pregnancy, delivery, or postpartum.

High-risk pregnancies may arise due to:

Preexisting Health Conditions:

Chronic conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or kidney disease present before pregnancy.

Pregnancy-Related Health Issues:

Conditions that develop during pregnancy, such as gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, or preterm labour.

Lifestyle Factors:

Habits like smoking, alcohol consumption, substance use, or exposure to harmful toxins, which can increase complications.

These risks can often be managed successfully with specialised care and close monitoring. Many women with special health needs go on to have healthy pregnancies and deliver safely with the right support and treatment.

Are High-Risk Pregnancies Common?

According to government records, 20-30% of pregnancies in India are classified as high-risk. While most pregnancies progress normally, some women may face medical complications or require special care, making their pregnancies more complex and high-risk.

What are the Causes of High-Risk Pregnancies?

People with preexisting health conditions face higher risks during pregnancy. Some of these conditions include:

Covid-19
Autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis (MS), rheumatoid arthritis and lupus
Diabetes
High blood pressure
Fibroids
HIV/AIDS
Kidney disease
Low BMI
Obesity
Mental health issues, such as depression
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Thyroid disease
Blood clotting disorders (Haemophilia)

Pregnancy-related conditions can also lead to complications, such as:

Gestational diabetes
Low birth weight
Poor fetal development
Genetic defects in the fetus
Multiple pregnancies (like twins or triplets)
Gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, or eclampsia
Placental issues, like placenta previa or placental abruption
A history of preterm delivery or other pregnancy complications
Too much or too little amniotic fluid

Lifestyle factors such as smoking, drinking alcohol, using drugs, and being exposed to certain toxins can increase the risk of pregnancy complications. Age also plays a role—pregnancies in women under 17 or over 35 are considered higher risk.

These are just a few factors that can make a pregnancy high-risk. Understanding that being labelled high-risk during pregnancy isn't meant to cause concern is important. Instead, it helps your doctor identify potential problems early so they can take steps to keep both you and your baby safe during pregnancy and delivery.

Signs and Symptoms of a High-Risk Pregnancy

If a pregnant woman experiences any of the following symptoms, she should contact her high-risk pregnancy doctor immediately:

Persistent abdominal pain
Chest pain
Dizziness
Fatigue
Reduced or slow fetal movement
High fever
Palpitations
Nausea
Severe headache
Breathing difficulties
Swelling, soreness, or pain in the joints
Unusual vaginal discharge or bleeding

Complications of High-Risk Pregnancies

High-risk pregnancies can lead to serious, life-threatening complications for both the mother and the unborn baby.

Some potential high-risk complications in pregnancy are:

Eclampsia and preeclampsia
Premature birth
C-section delivery
Excessive bleeding during or after labour
Congenital disabilities in the baby
Impaired fetal brain development
Miscarriage or stillbirth
Neonatal intensive care for the baby
ICU care for the mother

Diagnosis and Tests to Identify High-Risk Pregnancies

Proper prenatal care is essential in every pregnancy and is the best way to identify high-risk pregnancies early. Share your health history and any details about past pregnancies with your doctor. Several tests are used to monitor the health of both the mother and the baby:

Blood and urine tests to check for genetic and congenital conditions.
Ultrasound to detect any congenital issues in the baby.
Biophysical profile to check the baby's oxygen levels, breathing, movement, and amniotic fluid.
Non-stress test to monitor the baby's heart function.

How to Manage and Treat High-Risk Pregnancies?

Managing and treating a high-risk pregnancy depends on the specific health issues affecting the mother and baby. Care may include:

Performing necessary tests to monitor the health of both mother and baby
Regular check-ups and follow-ups with high-risk obstetricians
Consulting with a specialist in high-risk pregnancies
Monitoring blood pressure closely
Providing medication to manage pre-existing health conditions
Regular monitoring of the baby’s health and development
If complications occur, the high-risk pregnancy doctor may suggest induced labour or a C-section to ensure the safety of both mother and baby.

Can We Prevent High-Risk Pregnancies?

While some factors are beyond control, proper care and regular health monitoring can greatly reduce the risk of complications during pregnancy. Regular prenatal check-ups and staying in close touch with your doctor can help manage potential risks and ensure a safer pregnancy.

Get the best care for you and your baby at Apollo Cradle’s maternity hospital in Delhi-NCR - Chirag Enclave. Our hospital is designed to provide a safe, comfortable, and caring environment for both mothers and babies. With a skilled team of top obstetricians and gynaecologists in Delhi NCR, we are here to support you every step of the way.

We also offer access to the best paediatricians in Delhi NCR, ensuring comprehensive care for children at every stage of life.

Call 1860-500-4424 to book your appointment today and experience exceptional healthcare.

Request an appointment at Apollo Cradle, Delhi-NCR - Chirag Enclave. Call 1860-500-4424 to book an appointment.

1. What factors lead to high-risk pregnancies?

Pregnancy risks are higher in women above 35. Medical conditions like hypertension, obesity, diabetes, thyroid diseases, cardiovascular disorders, infections, and lifestyle habits can increase pregnancy risks. Besides these, abnormal placenta position, fetal development, gestational diabetes, eclampsia, and preeclampsia can contribute to pregnancy risks.

2. How can we ensure a healthy pregnancy?

If you're planning to become pregnant, consult your doctor to get yourself checked for any potential health complications. Any preexisting health condition has to be treated immediately. Your doctor may advise you to take prenatal vitamins with folic acid and reach a healthy weight. A proper diet, exercise, and maintaining an overall healthy lifestyle will help reduce potential risks or complications in the future.

3. Should I look for any abnormalities during my pregnancy that need immediate medical attention?

Please consult your doctor if there is vaginal discharge or bleeding, high fever, extreme fatigue, inflammation in your joints, face, and limbs, dizziness, and nausea. Please do not ignore these symptoms.

4. If my first pregnancy is high-risk, will all my future pregnancies be high-risk?

Having undergone one high-risk pregnancy does not mean future pregnancies will be high-risk, and it depends on how well you care for yourself and your fetus.

5. Does high-risk pregnancy mean the pregnancy will be more difficult?

While high-risk pregnancies require frequent follow-ups and constant fetal monitoring, it doesn’t necessarily mean your pregnancy will be more difficult. Your doctor will run you through the details of your pregnancy and the risks involved and ensure your mind is put to ease.