High-Risk Pregnancy

There is a possibility of developing complications that may put the mother and baby’s health at risk. When this happens, it is referred to as a “high-risk pregnancy”.

In many cases, these problems may be inevitable and unexpected. Thanks to advances the in technology, the early identification of risks factors and adequate prenatal care, there is a greater chance to have a healthy pregnancy and baby.

Conditions associated with a high-risk pregnancy

Diabetes

Pre existing or gestational

This disorder is developed when the body does not produce a sufficient amounts of insulin or is unable to use the insulin it produces. These two types of diabetes differ in that pre existing diabetes is already present before the woman becomes pregnant and gestational diabetes is developed when pregnancy hormones cause a resistance to insulin.

Some of the complications of this condition include:

Excessive growth of the fetus as a consequence of the high glucose levels it receives from the mother and the excess of insulin it produces, which become fat deposits.
Difficulties during labor due to the baby’s size, which can caused injuries or lead to a C-Section.
The baby may develop hypoglycemia due to very low levels of sugar in his/her blood at the time of birth (this may be associated with convulsions).
Respiratory difficulties since the excess of insulin slows the baby’s lung development.

The key to adequately manage diabetes is to keep blood sugar levels under control through:

Special diet.
Exercise.
Insulin injections.
Daily supervision of blood sugar levels.
Keeping an adequate weight.

High Blood Pressure

Chronic High Blood Pressure or preeclampsia (induced by pregnancy)

This condition is characterized by severe swelling and large amounts of protein in the urine. It does not allow the placenta to provide enough oxygen and blood (food) to the baby, causing the baby to have a low weight, poor growth, and detachment of the placenta, among other problems. If it’s not treated on time, it could affect both the mother and baby’s life.

Some of the recommendations to avoid this type of complications include:

A low sodium and salt diet.
Rest and relaxation.
Take medications as indicated.
Be alert of warning signs such as:
- Severe and lengthy swelling
- Sudden weight gain
- Strong headaches
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision

Asthma

It’s important to keep your asthma under control before getting pregnant and early in the pregnancy. Your symptoms may become more severe between the 29th - 36th weeks of pregnancy, when it normally goes out of control, and may put your pregnancy at risk.

To keep your asthma under control it is recommended to:

Quit smoking immediately.
Identify and avoid triggering factors, such as: pollen, pet dandruff, dust, mold.
Avoid respiratory infections, such as colds of flu.
Treat immediately any asthma episode as indicated by your doctor’s medical advise to make sure the baby receives enough oxygen.

Anemia

It’s one of the most common conditions during pregnancy. During this period, there is an increased blood volume, which is comprised of plasma and red blood cells. The unparallel increase of red blood cells as compared to the plasma, provokes physiological anemia during pregnancy. On the other hand, the anemia associated with iron deficiency may affect the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the fetus, which may cause premature birth, underweight babies, miscarriages, or the death of the newborn. The most common cause of all these complications is iron deficiency.

The recommendations to avoid or treat this condition include:

Eat foods rich in iron, such as: fortified cereals, beef liver, grains, spinach, plum, and raisins.
Eat foods rich in Vitamin C or take Vitamin C supplements (helps iron absorption).
Take folic acid.

Tests for mothers and the fetus

There are some conditions or complications associated with high-risk pregnancies that require tests and procedures to closely monitor and maintain control over the health of both mother and child. Some invasive procedures may represent risks for both parts. It’s important to talk to your doctor about:

The information that will be gathered and the need to perform such tests
General recommendations to avoid complications

Factors associated with high-risk pregnancies

There are several associated factors that could result in a high-risk pregnancy, including:

The mother’s age – if she’s under 18 or over 35 years of age
An unhealthy lifestyle, such as use of alcohol or, drugs, smoking, lack of physical activity or a sedentary life, and stress
Mothers that are obese or underweight prior or during pregnancy
Previous miscarriages or premature births, delivery prior to the 37th week of pregnancy
Family history including genetics or having given birth to a child with some kind of congenital defect
Pre existing health conditions or health conditions developed during pregnancy

Infections commonly developed prior and during pregnancy:

Urinary tract infection
Even though they may be common during pregnancy, if not treated on time these may cause premature birth.
Sexually Transmitted Infections
Herpes, Syphilis, Chlamydia, HIV, and Hepatitis are infections that can be transmitted to the baby during pregnancy or at birth. Receiving early and adequate treatment could reduce the possibility of becoming infected most cases, doctors recommend a C-Section to deliver the baby.
Toxoplasmosis
This condition rarely presents symptoms. These are parasites that can cause serious physical or mental problems to the fetus. To prevent infection, you should use gloves when handling pets or avoid contact with soil or feces. It’s important to cook foods thoroughly and do not eat raw meats. Wash hands thoroughly before eating or preparing meals, and after handling raw meet.

General recommendation to avoid complications

Adequate medical care monitoring with a obstetrician, gynecologist, dentist, nutritionist, specialist
Exercise daily (30 to 60 minutes) under medical supervision
Be alert to the warning signs:

Servere bleeding
Premature contractions
Loss of amniotic fluid
Severe and persistent headache
Acute and continuous abdomen pain
Severe and sudden swelling
Reduction in the baby’s activity level

Learn and frequently monitor your glucose levels, blood pressure and weight (this will be done in your medical check ups)
Keep an open communication with your obstetrician
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