High Risk pregnancy
Some pregnant women are considered to be at 'higher risk' than most women. They include women who have diabetes, heart disease or high blood pressure or who develop these conditions during pregnancy or labour. They also include women who are carrying their fifth or later child; who are carrying more than one baby; who are under 17 or over 35; who are over 30 and carrying their first child or who develop signs of preterm labour. The degree of risk varies with each of these conditions and should be thoroughly explained to you by your doctor.
Some five to ten per cent of pregnancies are termed 'high risk'. A pregnancy is 'high risk' or 'complicated' when the life or health of the mother or baby may be at risk. It is estimated that approximately one out of every four pregnant women will experience complications, sometimes leading to the birth of a premature baby. Families can cope more successfully with a high-risk pregnancy with appropriate medical intervention, education, and a strong support system. In fact, many risk factors can be identified even before conception. With proper care, 90 to 95 per cent of high-risk pregnancies produce healthy, viable babies. The earlier a problem is detected, the better the chances that both mother and baby will stay healthy. It is important to remember, however, that not all conditions can be diagnosed, and some pregnancies begin normally, but develop problems later. Make sure you schedule regular visits with your doctor, before and after becoming pregnant.
The following high risk pregnancies during pregnancy
- Twins and multiple pregnancies
- Gestational diabetes
- Pregnancy induced hypertension (high blood pressure)
- History of repeated miscarriages
- Bleeding during pregnancy
- Preterm or premature labour
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Rhesus Factor
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