If your doctor says your pregnancy is at high risk, that means that you have one or more factors that put you or your baby in danger of health problems before, during, or after delivery.

Having a high-risk pregnancy does not mean your delivery or pregnancy terms will be more difficult or challenging than a low-risk pregnancy. However, it does mean that you will need to consult a specialist and be monitored more carefully than others to mitigate any possible dangers.

Maternal cardiac arrest is one particularly critical condition that pregnant women can suffer if they are at high risk. This is caused by Sudden Cardiac Arrest, where the heart suddenly and unexpectedly stops beating.

In this case, CPR in pregnancy can potentially save you and your baby’s life. It may be ideal to have either your partner or friends learn how to perform CPR and use an AED on pregnant women especially if you experience a high-risk pregnancy.

Factors for a High-Risk Pregnancy

High-risk pregnancies may sometimes be caused by previous medical conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure. During your pregnancy, you can also develop medical conditions that may put you and your baby at a high risk.

Other factors that can contribute to a high-risk pregnancy are:

Maternal age. Women's fertility and egg quality decrease with age, resulting in a higher risk of pregnancy complications. So maintaining proper fertility health is essential for women. For example, a woman in her 20s has double the number of good quality eggs as a woman in her 30s.
Obesity. Women who are overweight have a higher chance of developing diabetes during pregnancy. They are also at a higher risk of experiencing preeclampsia and hypertension. However, it is one of the health conditions that can be addressed and changed before pregnancy.
Multiples. Women carrying twins, triplets, or multiples are at a greater risk of suffering complications during pregnancy. They are more likely to develop preeclampsia or enter labor prematurely. If multiples share a placenta, they are at a higher risk of growth problems or fetal anomalies. It is crucial to have a maternal-fetal specialist closely monitor your pregnancy through additional ultrasounds.
Pregnancy history. If you have experienced hypertension or preeclampsia in a previous pregnancy, you have a higher chance of experiencing it again. Giving birth prematurely can also lead to a higher chance of delivering early again during your next pregnancy. Discussing your complete pregnancy history with your obstetrician-gynaecologist (OB-GYN) is highly recommended to see if you will be at risk.

Symptoms of High-Risk Pregnancy

Being at high-risk may cause a few medical conditions, such as gestational diabetes. Other symptoms may affect your labor and delivery. While having one or two of these conditions may not mean your pregnancy is at a high risk, it is still vital to contact your doctor if you experience any of these at any time:

Watery discharge or vaginal bleeding
Cramping or pain in your lower abdomen
Burning pain with urination
Blurry vision
Chills or fever
Persistent nausea
Migraines
Dizziness

How to Promote a Healthy Pregnancy

Talking to your doctor about how your labor and delivery will be affected by your health during your pregnancy can help you feel more prepared to care for yourself. There are a few basic ways you can prevent a high-risk pregnancy and promote a healthy one instead.

The first is to schedule an appointment before conception. Your healthcare provider may recommend that you take prenatal vitamins and help you reach a healthy weight before becoming pregnant. Any medical needs should also be treated, so you are in the best condition to carry a child. Your doctor may also discuss any risks of you having a baby with a genetic condition.

Once you are pregnant, you can help prevent a high-risk pregnancy by seeking prenatal care. Routine visits to monitor your health and your baby’s health throughout the pregnancy are crucial to ensuring you are in optimal health. You can find prenatal care from obstetricians, OB-GYNs, any family practitioners, or certified nurse-midwives.

It is important throughout your pregnancy to maintain a healthy lifestyle to allow your child to develop with the right nutrition. Pregnant women should add about 300 calories to their daily diet and include plenty of protein, grains, and fresh fruits and vegetables. Prenatal vitamins may also help to support your calcium, folic acid, and iron intake.

Avoid any alcohol, drugs, or smoking as these will cause health problems for you and your baby during your pregnancy. Getting enough sleep and reducing stress will also help promote a healthier pregnancy overall for you and your baby.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, experiencing one high-risk pregnancy does not mean all of your pregnancies in the future will be deemed high risk. Health conditions can change over time, and you can help prevent any medical issues by maintaining a healthy lifestyle before and after your pregnancy. You can manage your pregnancy risks with the help of a doctor to ensure that both you and your child remain safe and healthy.

Disclosure: This is a collaborative post.