As beautiful as pregnancy seems, it can be quite an overwhelming journey for mothers with high-risk pregnancies. A woman’s pregnancy might start normally, but turn into high risk because of the complications that occur later. It just means that you need to take extra care to ensure your and your baby’s safety.
A doctor for high-risk pregnancies in Airoli can offer guidance on what to do and what to avoid to prevent pregnancy complications. The question is, what are the causes of high-risk pregnancy? Let’s take a look.
Key Causes of High-Risk Pregnancy
Just because you have a high-risk pregnancy doesn’t mean you’ll have a complication. In fact, many women deliver a healthy baby and enjoy a smooth pregnancy journey despite the medical condition that categorizes their pregnancy as high-risk.
Following your gynecologist’s advice and taking your medication as prescribed can help manage your health issues. Here’s what increases women’s risk of having a high-risk pregnancy:
i) Maternal Age
If a mother is too young (under 17) or is of advanced maternal age, she is more likely to develop health issues. Younger girls may not have a body prepared to carry and give birth to a child. So, there’s a slightly increased risk of a low-birth-weight baby or premature birth.
Advanced maternal age also poses health risks for the mother. Women above 35, for instance, can develop preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and high blood pressure. Possible risks also include miscarriage and babies born with low birth weight.
ii) Chronic Health Conditions
Certain health conditions, like diabetes, can place you at a greater risk for premature birth, large babies, and birth defects in the fetus. Women can have existing diabetes or develop it during pregnancy (gestational diabetes). Either way, managing blood sugar levels is important for a pregnant woman.
Another chronic condition is hypertension. If your blood pressure spikes, your risk of having preeclampsia may increase, which can harm the mother and the baby. Other issues, like thyroid disorders, autoimmune diseases, heart issues, and kidney disorders, can be risky during pregnancy.
iii) Pregnancy Complications
Certain pregnancy complications in the first pregnancy can also happen in subsequent pregnancies. For example, a shortened cervix or a premature birth can increase your risk of having these complications in future pregnancies. If you have had a C-section birth or a uterine surgery for a medical cause, there’s a risk of uterine rupture during labor (if you attempt a vaginal birth after a C-section).
iv) Multiple Pregnancy
Carrying multiples in your womb is riskier than having a single pregnancy. With multiple babies, you need double or triple the nutrients than those with a single pregnancy. Two or more babies sharing the uterus also means less room for each and higher chances of preterm birth.
v) Lifestyle Factors
Your lifestyle, such as your diet, activity, and environment, can also make your pregnancy risky. If you smoke, consume alcohol, and take non-prescription drugs, the risk of miscarriage, low-birth-weight babies, birth defects, and other complications will increase.
Discuss your diet and lifestyle with a gynecologist in a reputable maternity hospital in Airoli and follow their instructions to ensure a healthy pregnancy.
