High Risk Pregnancy

A high-risk pregnancy is a pregnancy that poses a threat to a woman before or during pregnancy, or after delivery.

A high-risk pregnancy demands regular monitoring and special care of both the baby and mother throughout the pregnancy.

Recognizing the cause of high-risk pregnancy and taking care of the baby and yourself is considered the best strategy to prevent complications.

A pregnancy is said to be a high-risk pregnancy, if the mother has certain medical conditions or other factors that threaten the development of the foetus and/or increases the risk of complications for the mother.

Factors Considered For High Risk Pregnancy

The factors that may put the mother at a high risk of complications during or after the pregnancy include:

  • Age – less than 15 or more than 35 years
  • Weight – weight under 100 lb before pregnancy or overweight
  • Difficult pregnancies in the past
  • Chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure or thyroid disorders
  • Family history of genetic conditions
  • Rh incompatibility
  • Multiple foetuses
  • More than five previous pregnancies
  • Quick labour in the previous pregnancies
  • Prenatal tests indicating that the baby has a serious health problem
  • Medical or surgical conditions that may arise during the pregnancy particularly and most commonly gestational diabetes and pregnancy induced hypertension and preeclampsia.

If you have any of these risk factors, a pre-pregnancy visit to Dr Mariud is essential. Women with a high-risk pregnancy should be under the care of an obstetrician specialized in the care of high-risk pregnancies.

Dr Mariud may refer you to a perinatal care centre in which a woman with a high-risk pregnancy is managed with specialized attention. In these centres, obstetricians and a newborn intensive care unit work together to render best care for you and your baby.

High Blood Sugar During Pregnancy

Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes is a condition in which the level of sugar in your blood becomes higher than normal. This condition can develop in the second trimester and most often returns to normal soon after delivery.

The tests for diabetes are done in the 28th week of pregnancy. Dr Mariud may check your blood glucose level using a number of tests such as:

  • Fasting blood glucose test.
  • Oral glucose tolerance test.

RISKS OF PREGNANCY INDUCED HIGH BLOOD SUGAR

High blood sugar levels can affect both the mother as well as the development and growth of the baby.

Poorly controlled or uncontrolled gestational diabetes

  • Increases the risk of preeclampsia,
  • Preterm delivery,
  • Large-sized baby,
  • Caesarean section,
  • Newborn with low blood sugar,
  • Breathing difficulties and
  • Jaundice.

TREATMENTS FOR PREGNANCY INDUCED HIGH BLOOD SUGAR

Pregnancy induced diabetes can usually be controlled by

  • Certain dietary changes,
  • Regular exercise, and
  • Frequent blood tests as suggested by Dr Mariud.

Some cases might also require use of insulin to keep the blood sugar levels under control.

Even if the gestational diabetes goes away after your baby is born, it increases your risk for diabetes later in your life.

Therefore, it is important to exercise, eat a healthy diet and maintain a healthy weight after pregnancy.

High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy

Pregnancy Induced Hypertension (PIH), or preeclampsia (PET) if the rise in blood pressure is accompanied by more systemic symptoms and organ abnormalities including liver kidneys placenta and brain. It is a pregnancy complication that usually starts after the 20th week of pregnancy. It is one of the main causes of concern in pregnant women, as a severe form of PET may necessitate early premature induction of labour.

It is important to remember that hypertension during pregnancy is a serious condition and should be addressed of in order to prevent further complications.

Signs Of Preeclampsia

You should watch for signs such as

  • rapid weight gain,
  • severe headaches,
  • blurred vision,
  • severe pain in the stomach under the ribs

Pregnancy induced hypertension might also be accompanied with other conditions such as

  • protein in the urine,
  • swelling and
  • convulsions as end stage

The condition can be detected during antenatal visits and should be treated appropriately. If you have any concerns between appointments you should consult Dr Mariud immediately.

The condition can be detected during antenatal visits and should be treated appropriately. If left untreated, this condition can cause serious problems for both the mother and the baby. In the mother,

Causes High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy (Preeclampsia)

If PIH is left untreated, this condition can cause serious problems for both the mother and the baby.

For the mother, Pregnancy induced hypertension can causes 

  • placental abruption (premature detachment of the placenta from the uterus) and
  • seizures.

For the baby, Pregnancy induced hypertension can cause 

  • less blood flow to the placenta,
  • premature birth,
  • low birth weight,
  • stillbirth, or
  • growth restriction.

Treatments For Preeclampsia

Pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH) is a condition that should be taken care of in order to prevent further complications. Treatment options which include

  • medications,
  • dietary modifications,
  • mild exercise and activity and
  • sufficient rest.

In severe cases Dr Mariud may want your baby to be delivered.

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