Dr Arti Gupta

MBBS, MS (Obstetrics and Gynaecology)
Associate Professor – Career Medical College, Lucknow
Ex Consultant – District Government Hospital

A high-risk pregnancy is one where there is a higher risk to the mother or her fetus than an uncomplicated pregnancy. Pregnancy can be challenging sometimes like in cases of chronic diseases like diabetes, cardiac diseases or history of multiple abortion, ectopic pregnancy, pregnancy induced hypertension. During high risk pregnancy, the mother and child both are at the risk of health problems before, during or after delivery. High risk pregnancy needs careful supervision before and after the delivery.

Pregnancy is a normal physiological process, a phase of life to be enjoyed and to be cherished. However, pregnancy is also a stressful condition for the body, both physically, mentally, and can be emotionally challenging. While most pregnancies go smoothly, a few underlying health issues or some new development can make it high risk, requiring special care, rest, investigations, etc.

Specific factors that might contribute to a high-risk pregnancy include:

Advanced maternal age: Pregnancy risks are higher for mothers older than age 35.

Lifestyle choices: Smoking cigarettes, drinking alcohol and using illegal drugs can put a pregnancy at risk.

Maternal health problems: High blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, epilepsy, thyroid disease, heart or blood disorders, poorly controlled asthma, and infections can increase pregnancy risks.

Pregnancy complications: Various complications that develop during pregnancy can pose risks. Examples include an unusual placenta position, fetal growth less than the 10th percentile for gestational age (fetal growth restriction) and rhesus (Rh) sensitization — a potentially serious condition that can occur when your blood group is Rh negative and your baby’s blood group is Rh positive.

Multiple pregnancy: Pregnancy risks are higher for women carrying more than one fetus.

Pregnancy history: A history of pregnancy-related hypertension disorders, such as preeclampsia, increases the risk of having this diagnosis during the next pregnancy. If you gave birth prematurely in your last pregnancy or you’ve had multiple premature births, you’re at increased risk of an early delivery in your next pregnancy. Talk to your health care provider about your complete obstetric history.