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High-risk pregnancy
Back to QuestionsFinding out you have a high-risk pregnancy can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't mean you won't have a healthy baby. It simply means you and your baby need some extra care and attention during this special time.
A pregnancy might be considered high-risk due to various reasons such as maternal age, lifestyle factors, or medical conditions that exist before pregnancy. Sometimes, issues that arise during pregnancy could lead to a pregnancy becoming high-risk.
Women with high-risk pregnancies need prenatal care more often and sometimes from a specially trained doctor. A maternal-fetal medicine specialist is a medical doctor that cares for high-risk pregnancies.
If your pregnancy is considered high risk, you might worry about your unborn baby's health and have trouble enjoying your pregnancy. Share your concerns with your doctor. Your doctor can explain your risks and the chances of a real problem. Also, be sure to follow your doctor's advice. For example, if your doctor tells you to take it easy, then ask your partner, family members, and friends to help you out in the months ahead. You will feel better knowing that you are doing all you can to care for your unborn baby.
Factors Contributing to High-Risk Pregnancy
The following factors may increase the risk of problems during pregnancy:
- Very young age or older than 35
- Overweight or underweight
- Problems in a previous pregnancy
- Health conditions you have before you become pregnant, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, autoimmune disorders, cancer, and HIV
- Pregnancy with twins or other multiples
For those of you who are older, you're not alone! Advanced maternal age is becoming more common as many women are choosing to have children later in life. However, with age, some risks can increase. Women over the age of 35 might have a higher risk for things like gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, and complications during delivery. But remember, age is just a number, and many women over 35 have healthy pregnancies and healthy babies.
Certain lifestyle factors like smoking, alcohol use, and unhealthy weight can also increase your risk. If you're planning a pregnancy or already pregnant, consider making some lifestyle changes that could improve your pregnancy outcome. And hey, we're here to help! Check out our tips for a healthy pregnancy for advice and inspiration.
Perhaps, you're dealing with chronic health conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure. These can complicate pregnancy, but with careful management, you can still have a healthy pregnancy. Regular prenatal visits are crucial in such cases to monitor and manage these conditions.
And maybe you've had problems in previous pregnancies, like preterm labor, preeclampsia, or cesarean delivery. These can all put you at higher risk in future pregnancies. However, remember that every pregnancy is different, and just because you had issues in the past doesn't mean you'll have them again.
Having a high-risk pregnancy can be stressful, but it's important to take care of your mental health too. It can be beneficial to talk to someone about your feelings, like a mental health professional or a trusted friend or family member. You might also find comfort in connecting with other mothers going through the same experience.
Just remember, you're not alone in this journey. There's a lot of support available for you. Our team of health experts are here to provide guidance and answer your questions.
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by Lola&Lykke Team