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.
You may be considered high-risk if you have a history of miscarriage, preterm labor, or cesarean delivery. Likewise, if you've already had one child with a birth defect, any subsequent pregnancies may be treated as high-risk.
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.
Medical conditions that exist before pregnancy, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, sexually transmitted diseases or being HIV positive, kidney diseases, autoimmune diseases, thyroid diseases can present risks for the mother and/or her unborn baby.
Women who will be under age 17 or over age 35 when their baby is due are at greater risk of complications than those between their late teens and early 30s. The risk of miscarriage and genetic defects further increases after age 40.
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.
The fetus is most vulnerable during the first 12 weeks. During this period of time, all of the major organs and body systems are forming and can be damaged if the fetus is exposed to drugs, infectious agents, radiation, certain medications, tobacco and toxic substances.
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.
Working during pregnancy is generally safe. For those in high-risk occupations or with medically complicated pregnancies, work accommodations often can allow for continued safe employment. Obtaining work accommodations allows a woman to continue to work and, thus, ensures continued pay, benefits, and job protection.
Causes. Birth defects can occur during any stage of pregnancy. Most birth defects occur in the first 3 months of pregnancy, when the organs of the baby are forming.
For women who know they're pregnant, about 10 to 15 in 100 pregnancies (10 to 15 percent) end in miscarriage. Most miscarriages 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.
Harmful exposures during the first trimester have the greatest chance of causing major birth defects. This is because many important developmental changes take place during this time. The major structures of the body form in the first trimester. These include the spine, head, arms and legs.
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 premature baby (born before 37 weeks of pregnancy) or a low-birthweight baby (weighing less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces).
More than 80% of miscarriages occur within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. After 12 weeks, the rate decreases rapidly (Dante et al, 2013; Houry and Salhy, 2014).
Most pregnancies only need the two standard ultrasounds, but if you or your baby is at risk of complications, your doctor may have you get weekly ultrasounds for your health and the baby's health.
Leaning forward too often during pregnancy will not affect your birth outcomes. And there is no evidence to suggest that bending over or leaning forward during pregnancy can cause miscarriage.
Between 7 and 9 hours of sleep each day is recommended at the age most women find themselves pregnant. (Genetics and quality of sleep can affect these numbers, but this is a good general guideline for how much shut-eye is needed.)
Your healthcare provider may recommend bed rest if you're diagnosed with a pregnancy complication like preeclampsia or vaginal bleeding. The length of time you're on bed rest and what you're allowed to do varies depending on your condition.
Most women find the second trimester of pregnancy easier than the first. But it is just as important to stay informed about your pregnancy during these months. You might notice that symptoms like nausea and fatigue are going away.