High-Risk Pregnancy: Complications And Treatment

Hearing from your gynaecologist that your pregnancy is at high risk can be a matter of concern. However, it necessarily does not mean there will be more challenges. Seeking assistance from a  maternal-fetal specialist for close monitoring can better help. 

Gynaecologists can help you know what common complications contribute to a high-risk pregnancy that might develop before or during the pregnancy. Those include gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, excess body weight, etc. These issues can take a toll on the body and therefore need to be diagnosed and treated soon. This in turn will make your pregnancy journey smooth, safe, and healthy. 

Moreover, understanding all the types of complications that could occur and what you can do to treat them in advance can prevent them timely. Read the article to learn about them! 

What Is High-Risk Pregnancy?

Well, a high-risk pregnancy is a type of pregnancy that brings increased risks to the health of a woman and a child. The factors that lead to such pregnancy are maternal age above 35, medical history, poor lifestyle, maternal health issues, pregnancy-related problems, etc. 

Basically, special health monitoring and care are needed throughout the pregnancy. Let’s know what complications you can undergo and what are the steps to treat them. 

Common Complications In High-Risk Pregnancy

The below-mentioned are the common complications that might contribute to high-risk pregnancy. You can consult a gynaecologist in Melbourne to get the proper guidance in managing those risks. Professionals will diagnose and treat them effectively before it worsens your and your growing child’s health. Here, know about them in wide detail: 

Gestational Diabetes

If you have diabetes before pregnancy, you need to consult a gynaecologist for maintaining good health. This will determine what proper medications you need. But, if such a complication occurs during the pregnancy that is called “gestational diabetes”, your healthcare providers will take close monitoring of your health condition.

A high rise in blood sugar during pregnancy increases several risks such as stillbirth, preterm birth, and severe birth defects. This, as a result, can increase the chances of C-section delivery and large-size newborns. 

Treatment: Your gynaecologist will check your child’s growth and maintain your great health with proper nutrition counseling, the right medication, and glucose monitoring. The doctors can suggest some lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet, exercise, etc. Usually, there is no advice for losing weight as your body is working all day long to support your baby. GYNs might help with weight management to reach a healthy weight. 

They can suggest some nutrient-rich foods such as green vegetables, fruits, whole grains, or lean protein. Adequate exercise also plays a significant role in lowering blood sugar levels. The additional benefit can be reduced back pain, swelling, and muscle cramps. 

Anemia

Anemia during pregnancy is all because of the low number of red blood cells, leading to a deficiency of iron in the body. You need more iron than normal during pregnancy. 

Anemia can make you feel weak and tired. In addition, it can lead to dizziness and shortness of breath. In some cases, your heartbeat might increase, or might face difficulty concentrating. Pale lips, skin, and nails are also a few of the symptoms. 

Moreover, there are many other complications such as low-birth-weight babies, a child with developmental uncertainties, etc. 

Treatment: If you develop anemia during pregnancy, your gyneacologist will prescribe some iron or folic acid supplements along with prenatal vitamins. Professionals might also suggest adding iron-rich food to your diet. Moreover, they can even ask you to come for frequent blood tests within a particular time period. This helps to keep an eye on your hemoglobin level. 

Gestational High Blood Pressure

Gestational high blood pressure is a common health condition that can occur during pregnancy when your blood pressure level suddenly becomes high. It can give rise to several issues such as preterm birth and low birth weight. There are additional risks like stroke, placental abruption, and eclampsia. 

Treatment: Your GYNs may suggest a low dose after week 12 of pregnancy. They can also go for close monitoring of your blood pressure at home and recommend some medication to maintain the condition. Besides this, there is a possibility of a doppler ultrasound which checks the flow of blood. 

Moreover, GYNs perform the test for counting growing baby movement. If they will feel chances of preterm birth, you might be suggested steroids for lung maturation. The steroids can reduce the risk of breathing issues at the time of delivery. 

Heart Disorders

Heart disorders like congenital heart defects, coronary artery diseases, etc. can impact the functioning of the heart and blood vessels. With heart disease, you might feel pain in your back, chest, belly, neck, and jaw. The stress of such a condition can increase a certain risk of severe other illnesses and even death during or after pregnancy. 

If you are struggling with heart disorders, choose the best obstetricians in Melbourne for treatment as soon as possible. Making a healthy lifestyle can reduce the risks. 

Treatment: If you are diagnosed with heart disorder during pregnancy, your GYN/OBs will monitor you often. They will help you manage your blood pressure and blood sugar level, in addition to cholesterol for better heart health. Besides this, the professionals will suggest some heart-healthy habits like regular physical exercise, a well-balanced diet, enough sleep, and a healthy weight. Even quitting alcohol and smoking has a major role in preventing heart problems during pregnancy. 

Hyperemesis Gravidarum

It is continuous nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. This is due to the sudden rise of serum levels of certain hormones- estrogen and HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin). The complications you face because of vomiting is excessive weight loss, dizziness, lightheadedness, and dehydration.

This can adversely impact your pregnancy, leading to certain risks. Those include low birth weight, preterm childbirth, fetal anomalies, and antepartum hemorrhage. Seeing a gynaecologist can help you to get rid of it properly. 

Treatment: The treatment can range from a maternal diet that includes frequent small meals especially dry foods. In case, if there is continuous vomiting throughout the pregnancy, Intravenous (IV) fluids are required to maintain the fluid intake. Certain medicines are also prescribed to prevent nausea. If you are unable to take them by mouth, GYNS provides the drugs through IV or a suppository. 

In some high-risk pregnancy cases, a complex and accurate portion of nutrients is a must for maintaining good health. The nutrition is given via IV throughout pregnancy. This process is “total parenteral nutrition(TPN)”.

Summing Up

Understanding your high-risk pregnancy complications can help you prevent them on time before they have an adverse impact on your and your growing baby’s health. Visiting a gynaecologist provides you with great assistance to diagnose and treat all the health issues that can be risky for your pregnancy. 

We hope you get familiar with all the types of pregnancy complications. If you find any such health issues, see your GYN/OB immediately and get the right care and treatment.