High-Risk Pregnancy Require Prompt and Effective Medical Attention

High risk pregnancy Even normal pregnancy has its complications, but high-risk pregnancies tend to have higher chances of danger. The pregnancy is considered “high-risk” if there are many factors that cause health complications with the mother or the baby. It may occur any time before, during, or after delivery.

There are so many questions associated with high-risk pregnancies regarding prenatal care. For parents, it is essential to know what to expect from different scenarios.

Risk Factors of Pregnancy

Plenty of aspects make the pregnancy risky. There are many considerations and influences that the mother must take note of. Some of the major factors that contribute to a high-risk pregnancy are:

  • Pre-Existing Medical Conditions

Health problems such as diabetes, hypertension, thyroid diseases, and other existing medical conditions make the pregnancy risky. Maternal obesity is associated with many health problems, including a woman who gains a lot of weight during pregnancy. As such, physicians must always advise and educate the mother about the complications they may face.

  • Unhealthy Habits

A mother drinks alcohol, smokes, or takes illegal drugs during pregnancy will cause complications and health problems. Some people will always say that it’s okay because the child turned out fine, but they are wrong. It is essential to stick to a healthy diet by eating plenty of fruits and vegetables. Take all the prenatal vitamins and listen carefully to the doctor.

  • Advanced Maternal Age

Relatively older mothers have a higher risk of having miscarriage or stillbirth. (20) Advanced maternal age is usually 35 years old and above. Their unborn babies are more likely to have genetic disorders or be born prematurely. Women over 35 can deliver healthy babies, but there is just a generally higher risk of birth complications. It means that there should be additional monitoring to ensure that the pregnancy is going okay.

  • Pregnancy Complications

Several complications can develop during pregnancy, such as fetal growth restriction, abnormal placenta position, and placental insufficiency. Thus, the doctor must measure the fundus and observe the condition and size of the placenta. It is monitored in an ultrasound, along with the health of the baby.

  • Pregnancy History

Mothers who gave birth prematurely are at risk for early delivery in the next pregnancy. Those who had the C-section are more likely to experience a uterine rupture. The mother should know about their complete obstetric history to remain well-informed about the risks with the next pregnancy.

Symptoms to Watch Out For

Don’t ignore any symptom; instead, always ask the physician what it may mean. Some signs may be normal, yes, but it’s better to be sure. Problems and complications may be causing these danger signs. Some symptoms that should set alarm bells off include:

  • Decreased fetal activity
  • Sudden or severe headaches and body swelling
  • Fever, chills, and dizziness
  • Vaginal bleeding or abnormal discharge
  • Drastic changes in vision

The above symptoms are a cause for concern for all pregnancies – not just high-risk ones – so seek medical care when necessary. Dangerous complications arise in about 15% of pregnancies. The sooner a problem is addressed, the better for the pregnancy.

Tips for a Healthy Pregnancy

It’s important to note that high-risk pregnancies don’t automatically mean that the baby or the mother will be unhealthy. Staying healthy and following the doctor’s orders may reduce the chance of complications.

To avoid adding more risks to the pregnancy, do the following:

  1. Have regular prenatal assessments.

Doctors recommend getting prenatal assessments more frequent for high-risk pregnancies to identify complications early on. Extensive testing is critical because the health of the mother and the baby needs evaluation. In case there is anything that needs attention, medical professionals can address it immediately.

  1. Watch out for fetal distress.

The baby often gives off signs that they are experiencing distress. It is of utmost importance to go to all the prenatal care checkups. The doctor will assess if the baby needs oxygen, fluids, or if the mother needs any medication. In extreme cases, they may recommend an emergency C-section.

  1. Continue treatment for existing health conditions.

The doctor must know about the medicine that the mother is taking for their condition. In some cases, the mother is advised to change medication to something safer for the baby. It is possible to have a healthy pregnancy, even with chronic conditions.

  1. Maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Avoid all substances that may affect pregnancy, such as nicotine, alcohol, and caffeine. Perform doctor-approved exercises to remain physically active to some extent.

Aside from the physical health, the mother’s mental and emotional health must be well, too. A pregnant woman must refrain from doing things that cause extreme stress.

Neglect in High-Risk Pregnancies Can Have Long-Term Risks. Contact The Clark Law Office for Legal Advice.

High-risk pregnancies require the utmost care and expertise from medical professionals. They must always obtain the consent of the mother before intervening. If the physician performs any negligent actions that result in harm, that is medical malpractice.

If you need an experienced birth injury lawyer to prove that you suffered damages, contact The Clark Law Office. We will work closely on your case to ensure that you get the best results. Have your free initial consultation now.

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