8 Risk Factors of High-Risk Pregnancies |
Posted: June 9, 2020 |
Pregnancies are a source of great joy and anticipation for most women. But, if your pregnancy is deemed high-risk, you may get stressed and anxious, which may harm your baby. All hope is not lost, however. The expert team on high-riskpregnancy in Ballston works with you to minimize all the risks involved so you can deliver a healthy baby. Definition of High-Risk PregnancyYour pregnancy is high-risk if you have health conditions that may affect your baby or lead to complications. Specialized care is critical in ensuring a healthy delivery in a high-risk pregnancy. If your pregnancy is high-risk, you should have a professional like an OB/GYN help you through the whole gestation process. Risk Factors of High-Risk PregnancyThe success of your pregnancy and delivery relies significantly on how early you identify the risk factors and have them addressed. With the right treatments and interventions, you can be sure of a reasonably smooth time. With that said, identifying any risk factors you may have is a crucial first step. Here are 8 factors you should look out for: 1. Maternal AgeYour age as the mother affects the health of your baby. Women over the age of 35 or under 17 are more likely to develop complications like miscarriage and fetus birth defects. The risk increases even further after 40. 2. Autoimmune DiseaseConditions like multiple sclerosis and lupus may affect your heart, brain, and kidneys. They may predispose you to pregnancy risks like stillbirth, preterm delivery, and low birth weight. For some women, the symptoms of their autoimmune conditions improve with pregnancy. However, some people experience flare-ups. Unfortunately, most treatment medications used to treat these conditions may be harmful to the fetus. 3. High Blood PressureUnchecked high blood pressure can lead to kidney damage and increase your chances of low birth weight and preterm delivery. You also stand the risk of developing preeclampsia, which is high blood pressure in women who haven’t had it before. Its symptoms include swelling in the hands, legs, and feet. 4. Multiple PregnancyWomen carrying multiple fetuses -twins, triplets, or more- have a 50 percent more chance of low birth weight and preterm birth. They may also develop gestational diabetes and high blood pressure. 5. Blood DisordersHemoglobin disorders such as sickle cell disease increase your risk of developing severe complications like urinary tract infections, kidney infection, gallstones, heart enlargement, and lung disease. You may also be at risk of experiencing a miscarriage or delivering a preterm or low weight baby. 6. ObesityBeing overweight or obese increases the risk of diabetes, stillbirth, and miscarriage. Consequently, overweight mothers are advised to adopt a controlled diet and exercise regularly. Being overweight can also lead to anomalies and structural problems with your baby’s heart. 7. DiabetesMothers with diabetes tend to deliver larger than average babies with low blood sugar. Likewise, high blood sugar levels during pregnancy may cause fetal abnormalities. You need to maintain healthy sugar levels throughout your pregnancy. 8. Lifestyle ChoicesDrinking alcohol increases your risk of miscarriage and stillbirth. Your baby also has a higher chance of developing disorders and birth defects including low birth weight. Using tobacco is just as harmful to your health as it can be to your baby's health. Treatment of High-Risk PregnancyIf your pregnancy is high-risk, your obstetrician works with you to ensure the best possible results for you and your baby. You may need to get daily doses of folic acid, or proper immunizations to boost your immunity. Finally, the health of your baby depends greatly on your lifestyle. Consider adopting a healthier diet to maintain proper weight and getting regular exercise.
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