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According to standard
medical terminology, a high risk pregnancy is a disorder wherein some
ailment or medical condition puts the mother and the developing fetus
at much larger risk of experiencing complications before, during or
after pregnancy and birth.
Conditions That May Cause High-Risk Pregnancies
According to health experts, there are a host of factors which could
lead to the incidence of a high risk pregnancy. Generally, women who
are either too young or middle-aged could be at greater risk of
developing risky pregnancies. Those who are overweight or underweight
also face greater risks, along with women who have had pre-existing
health conditions like gestational diabetes, high blood pressure,
HIV/AIDS or those who have had preterm labor.
Preterm labor refers to labor which starts before 37 weeks of
pregnancy. During this stage, since the baby is not yet fully-grown,
it may have slimmer chances of surviving outside the womb. A pregnancy
could also be considered high-risk whenever a prenatal test shows that
the fetus has a serious health condition, such as a heart defect.
If such case is found, the mother will then need further tests and
require medication to safely deliver the baby. The fetal factors for
high-risk pregnancies also include exposure to infections like viral
hepatitis, herpes, mumps, varicella, rubella, syphilis, toxoplasmosis,
and other viral infections.
A woman’s exposure to dangerous medications like phenytoin, folic acid
antagonists, streptomycin, lithium, thalidomide, tetracycline and
warfarin are also added factors. Cigarette smoking, alcohol intake and
the use of illicit drugs also contribute to the increase in the
incidence of a high-risk pregnancy.
The occurrence of other significant health problems during a woman’s
pregnancy may also serve as added risk factors which could lead to a
high-risk pregnancy, as well as other factors or issues that occur in
a previously-healthy woman.
Close Monitoring Needed For High-Risk Pregnancy Candidates
Women who are perceived to be at greater risks of getting a high-risk
pregnancy, should have closer monitoring by their health care
provider. The type of monitoring would entail frequent visits with
their obstetrician, undergoing tests that monitor their overall
physical condition, blood tests to verify their levels of medication,
a standard ultrasound examination as well as monitoring of the fetus.
Such tests and examinations are required so that doctors could
effectively track the actual condition of a woman and also have a keen
eye for further complications. This will also help formulate modes of
action like whether labor should be induced or a caesarian section
delivery is needed to allow for safe and timely delivery of the baby.
Preventing High-Risk Pregnancies
Most doctors generally advise women who want to be pregnant to ensure
that they are in perfect good health before they conceive. Pregnant
women may also lessen their risks by taking at least 400 mcg of folic
acid daily as well as by acquiring proper immunizations before they
get pregnant. Maintaining a healthy diet is also important. Avoiding
smoking, alcohol or drug use is vital, along with maintaining a
healthy weight and performing regular exercise.
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