Symptoms of High-Risk Pregnancy

Rush to a gynecologist if you experience the following high-risk pregnancy symptoms:

• Unusual fatigue
• Slow or no fetal movement
• Chest pain
• Dizziness or fainting
• Persistent abdominal pain or cramping
• Pain or burning sensation while urinating
• Blurred vision
• Fever or chills
• Nausea and vomiting, mainly if it is more severe than morning sickness
• Persistent severe headache
• Heart palpitations
• Self-harm thoughts or thoughts of harming the baby
• Vaginal bleeding
• Unusual vaginal discharge
• Inflammation, redness, or pain in the face and limbs
• Difficulty in breathing
• Leakage of amniotic fluid or water break

Risk Factors of High-Risk Pregnancy

High-risk pregnancy can occur due to factors related to the mother, baby, or pregnancy.

Maternal Risk Factors

• Age: Women under the age of 17 or above 35 are susceptible to developing high-risk during pregnancy. After the age of 40, the risk of miscarriage and genetic defects increases in women.
• Medical conditions prior to pregnancy: Diabetes, depression, high blood pressure, obesity, autoimmune disease, sexually transmitted diseases, HIV, along with lung, kidney, and heart problems.
• History of Medical Issues: A family history of genetic disorders can cause high-risk pregnancy.

If you have a history of medical conditions, talk to your gynecologist, who might suggest some tests, medicines, and lifestyle changes that would keep you and your baby safe during pregnancy.

Fetal Risk Factors

• Down Syndrome
• Congenital defects
• Fragile X syndrome
• Cystic fibrosis
• Slow fetal growth
• Fetal anemia

Medical Risk Factors During Pregnancy

During pregnancy, medical conditions that pose a risk to the mother or baby may occur.

• Preeclampsia: A syndrome characterized by high blood pressure, high levels of protein in the urine, and swelling that can give rise to complications for the mother or baby. There is a higher chance of developing preeclampsia due to age, obesity, uncontrolled blood pressure, or diabetes prior to pregnancy. Carrying more than one baby can also lead to high-risk pregnancy.
• Gestational Diabetes: It is a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy. Women with gestational diabetes carry a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. A C-section may be required to prevent injury to the baby. The risk of gestational diabetes increases if you are above 25, have multiple pregnancies, are obese, had gestational diabetes in the past, delivered a large baby in the past, or have a family history of diabetes.
• Depression: Conditions such as low birth weight and preterm birth can cause depression during pregnancy. After delivery, depression may hinder the well-being of the mother and baby.
• Multiple Pregnancy: Carrying twins, triplets, or quadruplets can lead to high-risk pregnancy. Babies born in multiple pregnancies carry a risk of delayed development and cerebral palsy.
• Placenta Previa: In this condition, the placenta covers the cervix, causing bleeding when a woman experiences contractions. If placenta previa occurs during the delivery date, the gynecologist may opt for a C-section to reduce bleeding risks for the mother and baby.
• Multiple miscarriages or pregnancy losses: Post two miscarriages, the risk of losing the baby increases by 20%. It increases to 30% after three miscarriages and 40% after four miscarriages.
• Stillbirth: The fetus dies after the 20th week of pregnancy due to issues with placenta or umbilical growth, genetic conditions, or pregnancy complications.
• Placental Abruption: The placental lining separates from the uterus before delivery. This can cause late pregnancy bleeding.
• Abnormal Placentation: The blood vessels and other parts grow deeply in the uterine wall.
• Preterm Premature rupture of membranes: Amniotic sac ruptures before 37 weeks of gestation and prior to labor.
• Abnormal Levels of Amniotic Fluid: Too much or little amniotic fluid can cause complications for the mother and baby.
• Twin-to-twin Transfusion Syndrome: When twins share a placenta, that creates uneven blood flow between the babies.
• Infections: Infections such as cytomegalovirus. Common herpes, Zika, chorioamnionitis, listeria, and toxoplasmosis can cause high-risk pregnancy.
• Rh Sensitization: Mother's blood group is Rh negative while the fetus’ blood group is Rh positive.

Diagnostic Tests for High-Risk Pregnancy

The gynecologist may carry out a few tests during high-risk pregnancy.

• Ultrasound: An imaging test that uses high-frequency sound waves to develop an image of a fetus on screen.
  • 3D and 4D Ultrasounds: They are used to detect unusual fetal development.
  • Ultrasound to Measure Length of Cervix: This helps in knowing if the mother is going for early labor.
  • Biophysical Profile: Also called a non-stress test, this ultrasound is used to study fetus health and fetal heart rate.
• Cell-free DNA screening: A blood sample from the mother is taken to study the DNA of the mother and that of the fetus. Chromosomal problems can be detected through this test, which could indicate a genetic condition.
• Amniocentesis: After the 15th week of pregnancy, a sample of amniotic fluid is taken to check for genetic disorders. This test can identify brain and spinal cord issues termed neural tube defects.
• Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS): Around weeks 10 to 13 of pregnancy, a sample of cells from the placenta is studied to detect chromosomal abnormalities and genetic problems.
• Lab Tests: The gynecologist may suggest some blood and urine tests to test for anemia, diabetes, or infections. These tests can also detect genetic conditions.

Measures to Prevent High-Risk Pregnancy

It is advisable to have a preconception appointment with a gynecologist for a low-risk pregnancy. Some steps can be taken to reduce the chances of high-risk pregnancy:

• Take prenatal folic acid at least 400 micrograms along with vitamins prior to and during pregnancy
• Be vaccinated against viruses such as HIV, HPV, etc.
• Have a balanced diet and maintain optimum weight by being active
• Take medications prescribed by a gynecologist, avoid over-the-counter drugs
• Avoid smoking, alcohol and drugs
• Manage high blood pressure, depression, diabetes, and infection
• Practice safe sex
• Talk to the gynecologist about family and personal medical history

Avoid the complications related to high-risk pregnancy by making timely appointments at Matrix Hospital.