What is high risk pregnancy?
All pregnancies carry risks.
The definition of a “high-risk” pregnancy is any pregnancy that carries increased health risks for the pregnant person, fetus (unborn baby) or both.
People with high-risk pregnancies may need extra care before, during and after they give birth.
MATERNAL FACTORS
Age less than 17years or more than 35 years
anemaia
IVF pregnancies
Autoimmune diseases, such as lupus or multiple sclerosis (MS).
COVID-19.
Diabetes.
Fibroids.
High blood pressure.
Infectious disease
Kidney disease.
Low body weight (BMI of less than 18.5).
Mental health disorders, such as depression.
Obesity.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Thyroid disease.
Blood clotting disorders.
RELATED TO PREGNANCY
Pregnancy-related health conditions that can pose risks to the pregnant person and unborn baby include:
Birth defects or genetic conditions in the unborn baby.
Poor growth in the unborn baby.
Gestational diabetes.
Multiple gestation (pregnancy with more than one baby, such as twins or triplets).
Preeclampsia and eclampsia.
Previous preterm labor or birth, or other complications with previous pregnancies.
Low lying placenta, placenta previa
Rh negative
HOW TO TAKE CARE FOR SUCH PREGNANCIES PRE- CONCEPTION PLANNING
The goals of preconception care are: health education and promotion; risk assessment; and
intervention before pregnancy - to reduce the chances of poor perinatal outcomes.
It includes your preexisting disease such as high sugars, high blood pressure, any heart, lung or kidney ailments should be well controlled before planning pregnancy, healthy diet and healthy life style should be adopted before planning pregnancy.
you should talk to your treating doctor if you are fit to conceive and what all extra precautions should be taken if required.
REGULAR ANTENATAL CHECK UPS
You should visit your doctor as per their advice ideally in every month till 28 weeks then, once in 14 days till 37 weeks then weekly till delivery
your doctor will do regular Maternal and fetal surveillance in each visit
he will Look for the warning signs of pregnancy and Regular monitoring of weight gain, bp and fundal height and investigations according to indications.
will do Basic blood work up
Immunizations- td( 2 doses), tdap, influnza
HOW TO DO FETAL MOVEMENTS COUNTS
Daily monitoring of fetal movements starting at 26 to 32 weeks should be done in all pregnancies with risk factors for adverse perinatal outcome.
Women who do not perceive six movements in an interval of two hours require further antenatal testing and should contact their caregivers or hospital as soon as possible.
Ultra sound with fetal doppler-
MINIMAL THESE SCANS ARE DONE BY YOUR DOCTOR IN ANY PREGNANCY FOR FETAL WELL BEING
Dating scan
NT scan- 11-13 weeks with serum markers
Anomaly scan – 18-20 weeks,
Fetal 2d echo – 24 weeks for known risk
Growth scan at 28 weeks , then as and if required.
Warning signs of pregnancy
THESE SIGNS SHOULS BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY IN STAGE OF PREGNANCY AND REPORTED IMMEDIALTY TO YOUR CARE GIVER
Bleeding or leaking fluid from the vagina
Blurry or impaired vision
Unusual or severe stomach pain or backaches
Frequent, severe, and/or constant headaches
Contractions, where your stomach muscles tighten, before 37 weeks that happen
every 10 minutes or more often
Decrease in baby movements after 28 weeks
Dizziness
Excessive vomiting and diarrhea
Fever or chills
Pain or burning with urination
Swelling of face, fingers, and feet
Inability to tolerate foods or liquids
Muscular convulsions
Have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
IT IS ALWAYS ADVISEABLE TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR DIRECTLY IN EACH VISIT IF YOU ARE FACING ANY ISSUES INSTEAD OF GOOGLING AND ASKING FOR ADVICE FROM Unauthorized PERSON.
any high risk pregnancy can only be managed successfully if you follow your doctor advice seriously don't miss on appointments and medications prescribed by your doctor.
DO NOT SELF MEDICATE, DISCUSS ALL REPORTS IN PERSON, AVOID TELEPHONIC CONVERSATIONS FOR REPORTS.
DR ANURADHA NARAYANAN IS 24 HOUR AVAILABLE FOR EMERGENCY CARE, SO IN CASE OF EMERGENCY GO TO THE HOSPITAL DIRECTLY INSTEAD OF WASTING TIME TO CONTACT HOSPITAL ON PHONE.