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Pregnancy is the most exciting and cherished period in a woman's life. But with the joy of motherhood, pregnancy can also bring anxiety and worry for some. Morning sickness, weight gain, and changes in her body are a few typical symptoms all women experience throughout their pregnancy to term. These conditions are normal and do not possess any threat to the mother’s health or the health of the baby. However, some pregnancies can be high-risk, where the mother and/or fetus may have complications during the pregnancy, labour, delivery, or after childbirth. It is advised to visit only the best hospitals for pregnancy treatment in Salem.
In India, the number of women with high-risk pregnancies is alarming, accounting for nearly 20-30% of pregnant women having high-risk pregnancies. Still, there is very little understanding and awareness about it among people when it comes to management and prevention.
What Increases the Risk of Complications During Pregnancy?
A high-risk pregnancy could be due to pre-existing health conditions of the mother such as diabetes or high blood pressure, or it could be caused by complications that arise during pregnancy. Some of the conditions that may increase the risk of complications during pregnancy are:
Gestational diabetes
Diabetes during pregnancy.
Pre-Eclampsia
High blood pressure and the presence of protein in the urine.
Placenta previa
An unusual placenta position where the placenta covers the opening in the mother's cervix.
Placental Abruption
Separation of the placenta from the uterine inner wall.
Preterm Labour
Labour before the 37th week of pregnancy.
Fetal Growth Restriction
The fetus is smaller than expected for its gestational age.
Other risk factors for high-risk pregnancy
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Multiple gestations (birth of twins, triplets, quadruplets, etc.).
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Maternal age (pregnancy after 35 years of age).
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Maternal obesity.
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A history of miscarriage or premature birth.
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Lifestyle habits such as smoking, alcohol, poor diet, and inadequate prenatal care.
Managing High-Risk Pregnancy
High-risk pregnancies require careful monitoring and management to ensure the health and safety of both the mother and baby. Thus, it is crucial to identify high-risk pregnancies early to provide appropriate care and management. Depending on the individual circumstances, the mother and fetus may require more frequent prenatal care, specialized testing, and close communication with healthcare providers. In some cases, they may need medical or surgical interventions to manage complications and ensure safe delivery. Consult an expert pregnancy Doctor in Salem for managing high-risk pregnancies.
Screening Regulations for High-Risk Pregnancies
One of the key steps in identifying high-risk pregnancies is screening. For all pregnancies, gynaecologists ask questions about the mother's medical and obstetric history, including any pre-existing conditions, previous pregnancies, and family history of medical conditions. The doctor also conducts physical examinations and blood tests to assess the mother's general health, blood pressure, weight, and any signs of complications and ultrasounds to see the fetus’s growth.
The following are some additional screening tests that may be recommended for high-risk pregnancies:
Targeted Ultrasound
An ultrasound will produce images of the unborn baby, which provide important information about the unborn’s growth and development, including the size, position, and health of the fetus. Ultrasound will also measure the length of the cervix to determine if the mother is at preterm labour risk.
Blood Tests
Blood tests can provide information about the mother's blood type, Rh factor, and whether she has any infections or conditions (gestational diabetes or pre-eclampsia) or infections that could affect the pregnancy.
Non-Stress Test (NST)
This test measures the fetal heart rate in response to fetal movement. It can help identify if the baby has any complications with receiving adequate oxygen.
Amniocentesis
This test involves taking a small sample of amniotic fluid, which surrounds the fetus, to test for genetic abnormalities, chromosomal disorders, or other fetal health issues.
Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT)
NIPT is a blood test that can detect certain genetic disorders, such as Down syndrome, by analyzing the fetal DNA in the mother's blood.
Biophysical Profile (BPP)
This test combines ultrasound and NST to evaluate the well-being of the unborn baby. It looks at fetal breathing movements, body movements, tone, amniotic fluid volume, and fetal heart rate.
Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS)
Genetic abnormalities, chromosomal disorders, or other fetal health issues can be detected through this test. The gynaecologist will take a small sample of placental tissue for CVS testing.
In a nutshell, specialized screening can help identify pregnancies that are high-risk and require closer monitoring or more specialized care to ensure the best possible outcome for both the mother and baby.
You can book an appointment with a Consultant - Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Manipal Hospital Salem to get yourself tested!
