In high-risk pregnancies, there's an increased likelihood of encountering health complications before, during, or after childbirth, affecting both the mother and the baby. Special medical attention and monitoring throughout the pregnancy are crucial to ensure the mother takes all recommended precautions for her and her baby's well-being.
If you experience any of the following symptoms, seeking immediate medical attention is critical.
Vaginal bleeding or watery vaginal discharge
Severe headaches
Pain or cramps in the lower abdomen
Decreased fetal activity
Pain or burning sensation while urinating
Changes in vision, including blurriness
Sudden swelling in the face, hands, or fingers
Fever or chills
Persistent vomiting or nausea
Dizziness
Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
Also, if you notice signs of preeclampsia, such as:
Sudden swelling in the face, hands, or feet
New vision problems, like darkening, blurriness, or spots
Severe headache
Any vaginal bleeding
Abdominal pain or cramps
Fever
Regular contractions for an hour (8 or more contractions in 1 hour or four or more in 20 minutes after changing position and drinking fluids)
Sudden loss of vaginal fluid
Persistent pain in the lower back or pelvic pressure
Noticing your baby has stopped moving or is moving significantly less than usual
Some factors that can increase the risk of complications during pregnancy include:
Advanced age: Women over 35 years have a higher risk during pregnancy.
Lifestyle: Smoking, drinking alcohol, and using illicit drugs can increase the risk of pregnancy complications.
Health problems: High blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, epilepsy, thyroid diseases, heart or blood disorders, poorly controlled asthma, and infections.
Pregnancy complications: Some complications that may arise include abnormal placenta positioning, fetal growth below the 10th percentile for gestational age, and Rh factor sensitization (this condition can occur when your blood group is Rh-negative and your baby's is Rh-positive).
Multiple pregnancies: Being pregnant with more than one baby.
Depending on your case, your doctor might recommend one of the following tests:
Specialized or focused ultrasound: Uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the baby in the uterus, aiming to detect potential problems.
Prenatal cell-free DNA (cfDNA) screening: Extracts DNA from the mother and fetus, analyzing the fetal DNA from a maternal blood sample to detect chromosomal issues.
Invasive Prenatal Testing: Performed after the 15th week of pregnancy. Procedures like amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling are often recommended to identify genetic conditions.
Cervical length ultrasound: During prenatal appointments, your doctor might use ultrasound to measure the length of your cervix and assess the risk of premature birth.
Laboratory tests: Urinalysis to detect urinary infections, as well as tests for infectious diseases like HIV and syphilis.
Biophysical profile: This prenatal ultrasound evaluates the baby's well-being, including assessing fetal heart rate based on the results.
It's important to note that some tests, like amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling, carry a slight risk of miscarriage. The decision to undergo these tests is up to you and your partner, so discussing the risks and benefits with your ObGyn is crucial.
Prenatal appointments are essential for your doctor to monitor your and your baby's health. You might also be referred to specialists in maternal-fetal medicine, genetics, pediatrics, or other areas.
During pregnancy, it's important to avoid tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drugs. It's essential to discuss any medication or supplement you're taking with your gynecologist.
At BlueNetHospitals, we understand the importance of every detail in this exciting journey and provide a team of dedicated and trained Gynecologists to offer the necessary care.
We are proud to be part of your journey towards motherhood, ensuring you receive the comprehensive medical support you need during this unique stage of your life.
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