A guide to navigating high-risk pregnancies through medical care, healthy living, and emotional support.
A high-risk pregnancy is one in which the mother, the fetus, or both are at an increased risk of experiencing complications during pregnancy or childbirth, potentially endangering their lives.
There are various causes for high-risk pregnancies, but the woman’s age plays a significant role.
In such cases, it is crucial to attend all medical checkups and follow the specialist’s instructions to minimize potential dangers during pregnancy.
What Is a High-Risk Pregnancy?
A high-risk pregnancy involves a level of risk for the life of the mother, the fetus, or both. These pregnancies require greater medical attention.
In Spain, about 15% of pregnancies are considered high risk. Sometimes, pregnancies become high risk as they progress, while in other cases, the woman may already be at risk before becoming pregnant due to conditions like diabetes, hypertension, or other diseases.
Causes of High-Risk Pregnancy
High-risk pregnancies often occur in women with pre-existing conditions or who develop complications during pregnancy (e.g., gestational diabetes). Common causes include:
- Diabetes
- Cancer
- Hypertension
- Kidney problems
- Epilepsy
- Infections (cytomegalovirus, rubella, chickenpox, toxoplasmosis)
- Uterine malformations
- Placenta previa
It’s important to consult a doctor before conceiving if you have a known condition. The doctor can manage medications and provide guidance during the pregnancy.
Genetic conditions, previous miscarriages, or early infant loss in the family history may also increase the risk.
Risk Factors
Some factors that increase the likelihood of a high-risk pregnancy include:
- Maternal age: Risk increases for women over 35.
- Substance use: Smoking, alcohol, or drug use can increase risks.
- Medical history: Previous cesarean sections or premature births raise the risk.
- Chronic illnesses: Diabetes, high blood pressure, epilepsy, anemia, mental illness, or infections.
- Pregnancy complications: Cervical issues, placenta problems, severe nausea (hyperemesis gravidarum), or issues with amniotic fluid.
- Obesity or multiple pregnancies also increase risk.
Recommendations
To face a high-risk pregnancy, close monitoring and preparation are essential.
- Thorough Medical Monitoring
Women with high-risk pregnancies need more frequent prenatal checkups, additional ultrasounds, blood and urine tests. Advanced technology like 4D ultrasounds and Doppler studies allow better monitoring of the baby’s development.
- Healthy Lifestyle
Maintain a balanced diet—whole grains, fish, lean meats—and avoid sugary foods, caffeine, alcohol, smoking, and drugs. These can increase the risk of fetal malformations and premature birth.
- Birth Planning
Birth should be carefully planned. While it doesn’t always require a cesarean, induced and closely monitored labor is often recommended in high-risk pregnancies to protect the mother and baby.
- Psychological Support
High-risk pregnancies can bring anxiety and stress. Emotional support from partners and trust in healthcare providers is vital. Speaking to other parents who have had similar experiences can also be beneficial.
User Questions
Can high-risk pregnancy be prevented?
Sometimes. Women with medical conditions should consult their doctor before trying to conceive, allowing time for appropriate planning and risk reduction.
Is complete bed rest necessary?
In some cases—such as risk of miscarriage, placenta previa, uterine hematomas, or preeclampsia—doctors may recommend strict bed rest.
What risks exist if I have PCOS?
Women with PCOS are at higher risk of miscarriage, gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, low birth weight, premature delivery, and cesarean births. Therefore, PCOS increases the likelihood of a high-risk pregnancy.