A high-risk pregnancy is one in which a woman and her fetus face a higher-than-normal chance of experiencing problems. These risks may be due to factors in the pregnancy itself, or they may stem from preexisting maternal medical conditions, such as cancer, diabetes, or lupus.
Factors Considered for High Risk Pregnancy
Age – less than 15 or more than 38 years. Weight – weight under 100 lb before pregnancy or overweight. Height – under five feet. Difficult pregnancies in the past. Chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure.
A high-risk pregnancy does not necessarily mean that your pregnancy will be more difficult or challenging than a low-risk pregnancy. However, it does sometimes mean that you will need to consult a maternal-fetal medicine specialist and undergo more monitoring than someone with a low-risk pregnancy.
First Trimester (0 to 13 Weeks)
The first trimester is the most crucial to your baby's development. During this period, your baby's body structure and organ systems develop. Most miscarriages and birth defects occur during this period. Your body also undergoes major changes during the first trimester.
Risk factors for a high-risk pregnancy can include: Existing health conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or being HIV-positive. Overweight and obesity. Obesity increases the risk for high blood pressure, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, stillbirth, neural tube defects, and cesarean delivery.
High levels of stress that continue for a long time may cause health problems, like high blood pressure and heart disease. During pregnancy, stress can increase the chances of having a baby who is preterm (born before 37 weeks of pregnancy) or a low-birthweight baby (weighing less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces).
But luckily with early and regular prenatal care, many women with high-risk pregnancies can still have healthy babies and safe outcomes. A high-risk pregnancy diagnosis may require lifestyle changes, which is why it's important to have a strong support system and plan for getting the care you need.
You will have at least two ultrasounds during your early and middle pregnancy, and in the later parts of your high-risk pregnancy, you may have ultrasounds as often as once a week based on your health needs and situation.
Down syndrome, which arises from a chromosome defect, is likely to have a direct link with the increase in stress levels seen in couples during the time of conception, say Surekha Ramachandran, founder of Down Syndrome Federation of India, who has been studying about the same ever since her daughter was diagnosed with ...
Do not eat raw or undercooked meat, chicken, or fish (such as sushi or raw oysters). Do not eat raw eggs or foods that contain raw eggs, such as Caesar dressing. Do not eat raw sprouts, especially alfalfa sprouts. Do not eat soft cheeses and unpasteurized dairy foods, such as Brie, feta, or blue cheese.
Your nausea and vomiting may be worse than ever: Morning sickness peaks around 9 or 10 weeks of pregnancy for many women. That's when levels of the pregnancy hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) are highest (morning sickness is thought to be linked to rises in hCG and estrogen).
Most miscarriages - 8 out of 10 (80 percent) - happen in the first trimester before the 12th week of pregnancy. Miscarriage in the second trimester (between 13 and 19 weeks) happens in 1 to 5 in 100 (1 to 5 percent) pregnancies. Pregnancy loss that happens after 20 weeks is called stillbirth.
For the vast majority of women, pregnancy follows a routine course. Some women, however, have medical difficulties related to their health or the health of their baby. These women experience what is called a high-risk pregnancy. High-risk complications occur in only 6 percent to 8 percent of all pregnancies.
Women who have a chronic condition, such as uncontrolled diabetes, have a higher risk of miscarriage. Uterine or cervical problems. Certain uterine conditions or weak cervical tissues (incompetent cervix) might increase the risk of miscarriage. Smoking, alcohol and illicit drugs.
A pregnancy is 'high risk' when the likelihood of an adverse outcome for the woman or the baby is greater than that of the 'normal population'. A labour is 'high risk' when adverse outcomes arise in association with labour. by physiological changes that occur in labour.
A pregnancy that has no maternal or foetal complications is considered to be a low risk pregnancy. Most pregnancy complications can easily be detected and prevented with routine prenatal care.
Common Reasons For Repeat Ultrasounds. If there is an abnormality noted on the anatomy scan or your baby's position wouldn't allow for complete visualization of all vital organs, you may have to repeat just the portion of the anatomy scan that assesses the organ in question.
While some may have concerns about the safety of frequent ultrasounds, studies have shown that there is no evidence of harm to either the mother or the baby. In fact, frequent ultrasounds can be a vital tool in detecting potential complications early on and ensuring a healthy outcome for both mother and baby.
Can ultrasound scans harm the baby? There is no evidence that having a vaginal or an abdominal scan will cause a miscarriage or harm your baby.