High-RiskPregnancy—ComprehensiveCareforComplexCases
Written & medically reviewed by Dr. Shaivalini Kamarapu
MBBS · MS (Obstetrics & Gynaecology) · Fellowship in Reproductive Medicine · 20+ years of clinical experience
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Understandinghigh-riskpregnancyfactors
A critical part of managing high-risk pregnancies is ascertaining the cause, or the risk factors that could lead to complications. High-risk pregnancy factors broadly split into four categories:
Signsandsymptoms—getimmediatemedicalattention
When you learn you are pregnant, consult your doctor about the possibility of a high-risk pregnancy, and openly discuss any pre-existing medical conditions. If you experience any of the following, it is essential to get immediate medical attention:
You lose consciousness — brief your partner, neighbour or colleague in advance on what to do in this situation, since you won't be able to take action yourself
You experience vaginal bleeding
You experience unbearable pain in your pelvis or belly
You have fluid leaking from your vagina — this could mean the umbilical cord is bulging into your vagina
The following warning signs require an immediate visit to the doctor or a health facility:
Fever above 38.5°C for more than 24 hours
Headache or blurring of vision
Generalised swelling of the body and puffiness of the face
Palpitations, easy fatigability, and breathlessness at rest
Pain in the abdomen
Vaginal bleeding or watery discharge
Reduced fetal movements
High-riskpregnancymanagement
Management of a high-risk pregnancy depends on the woman's specific risk factors. Healthcare providers keep a close watch on the woman and the pregnancy to detect any potential problems as quickly as possible, so treatment can start before the woman's or fetus's health is in danger.
Conditions classified as high-risk pregnancy
Severe anaemia (Hb less than 7 gm/dl)
Pregnancy-induced hypertension, pre-eclampsia
Syphilis, HIV positive
Gestational diabetes mellitus
Hypothyroidism
Young primi (under 20 years), or elderly gravida (over 35 years)
Twin or multiple pregnancy
Malpresentation
Previous caesarean delivery
Low-lying placenta, placenta praevia
Positive bad obstetric history (history of stillbirth, abortion, congenital malformation, obstructed labour, premature birth, etc.)
Rh negative
History of any current or past systemic illness
Prevention
If you are planning to get pregnant, it is natural to want to take every measure possible to prevent a high-risk pregnancy. Practicing healthy behaviour and undertaking tests early can minimize the chance of complications. A high-risk pregnancy typically arises from one or more of the following:
A pre-existing medical condition in the mother, such as diabetes or hypertension
A pregnancy-related problem that leads to complications, such as premature labour
The age of the expecting mother
Lifestyle-related disorders
Diagnosis
High-risk pregnancies can be diagnosed in a number of ways by a medical practitioner. The following tests help identify high-risk pregnancy problems and will be prescribed by your doctor depending on your condition or symptoms:
Ultrasounds
Blood testing
Urinalysis
Treatment
Depending on the risk factors you are diagnosed with, high-risk pregnancy treatment will be prescribed. AMVI Hospital is equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure and a highly skilled, experienced team of professionals to provide the best possible care for every type of high-risk pregnancy situation. Common methods of treatment include:
Gestational Diabetes
This condition can increase the risk of complications in pregnancy. However, you can have a healthy pregnancy and birth by following a diet and treatment plan prescribed by a doctor.
High Blood Pressure
During pregnancy, some changes to blood pressure medication may be recommended. Lifestyle changes such as limiting salt intake and regular exercise may also be prescribed.
Pre-eclampsia
If you are experiencing mild symptoms, bed rest may be prescribed. You may also be asked to take vitamins E and C. Generally, this condition resolves after delivery.
FAQsrelatedtohigh-riskpregnancy
A pregnancy is considered high-risk when there are factors that increase the chance of complications for the mother, baby, or both. Common reasons include: maternal age over 35, diabetes (pre-existing or gestational), high blood pressure or pre-eclampsia, thyroid disorders, previous C-section or uterine surgery, twin or triplet pregnancy, placenta praevia or placenta accreta, IVF/ART pregnancy, previous pregnancy loss or premature birth, certain infections (e.g., HIV, hepatitis B), obesity (BMI over 30), and autoimmune conditions like lupus or antiphospholipid syndrome. If any of these apply to you, consult Dr. Shaivalini at AMVI Hospitals for specialised care.