Pay attention to the body during high-risk pregnancies: Expert
High risk pregnancy means you and your baby is at risk of some serious health problems or are prone to complications during the pregnancy or after the delivery of the baby. If you are told that your pregnancy is high risk that means you need extra care to help you to have a healthy pregnancy and delivery. Dr Jasbir Chhatwal, senior specialist and head of department of Zulekha hospital advises mothers/couples with high risk pregnancies to select a wellequipped hospital with all facilities including NICU as chances of preterm labour are high in case of high risk pregnancies. They need special care, frequent monitoring and may be referred to fetal medicine doctor. You have to be mentally prepared that labour may be induced early to reduce complications for you and your baby.
What causes a high risk pregnancy
High risk complications occur in 6-8 per cent of all pregnancies. If the patient has some chronic disease before pregnancy or develops during the course of pregnancy it will create huge risk. > Blood disorders like sickle cell disease, thalassemia, anemia > Chronic renal disease increases chances of high blood pressure and pre-eclampsia and eclampsia > Depression, HIV, or AIDS > Lupus or autoimmune disorder > Maternal age more than 35 or less then 16 years for first pregnancy > Thyroid disease, Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes > History of heart disease and twin pregnancy > Alcohol, smoking, substance abuse may lead to intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) babies, birth defects, or stillbirths > Antenatal care of high risk pregnancies
How to reduce risk of pregnancy complications
> If you have high risk pregnancy its natural to be worried but don’t lose hope > If you have chronic diseases, prepregnancy counselling and visits with obstetrician is very important > Have a healthy life style; be conscious in weight gain during pregnancy. > Ask your partners, family, and friends for support > Look after your emotional well being. Take out time for yourself and reduce your stress levels whenever you can > Don’t lose hope; be positive