A high-risk pregnancy is a pregnancy that carries an increased risk of health problems for the mother, the baby, or both. While all pregnancies come with health risks, some are more likely to lead to potential complications and require extra care for the mother or the baby. 

That said, a higher-risk pregnancy does not necessarily mean that you or your baby will encounter health problems. With the right care and medical support, many mothers with high-risk pregnancies go on to have normal labor experiences and deliver healthy babies. 

In this article, we'll take a look at some of the most common symptoms, causes, and risk factors for high-risk pregnancies, as well as how they can be diagnosed. We'll also discuss how you can boost your chances of a normal and healthy pregnancy. 

What are the common causes and risk factors for a high-risk pregnancy?

Some common risk factors of a high-risk pregnancy are as follows: 

• Young or old maternal age: Women above the age of 35 or below 18 are at a higher risk of pregnancy-related complications.  

• An unhealthy lifestyle: Smoking cigarettes, drinking alcohol, and the misuse of substances such as illegal drugs can contribute to health problems, including low birth weight, premature labor, and premature birth.  

• Medical conditions: Certain health conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and thyroid disease, may increase the health risks in a pregnancy. 

• Being overweight or obese: Having a high BMI can complicate the labor and delivery process, potentially increasing the chances of a miscarriage or stillbirth. Being overweight or obese during pregnancy can also put the mother at a high risk of gestational diabetes. 

• Multiple gestation (multiple pregnancies): Women carrying multiple babies at once, meaning more than one fetus and multiple births, are considered high risk due to a greater chance of complications to both you and the babies. The most common complications include preterm delivery, anemia, and birth defects. 

Pregnancy-related conditions and a high-risk pregnancy 

Pregnancy-related health conditions can also increase the risks associated with a pregnancy. Some of these conditions include the following: 

• Gestational diabetes: Gestational diabetes is diabetes diagnosed for the first time during pregnancy. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this can lead to a greater risk of preterm labor and high blood pressure while pregnant. You're also more likely to have a large baby, which could result in a C-section delivery. 

• Preeclampsia or eclampsia: Preeclampsia is a sudden spike in blood pressure, while eclampsia is the more severe form of preeclampsia and involves seizures or a coma. These conditions can put the baby’s and women’s health in danger, increasing the chances of pregnancy loss, preterm birth, organ failure, or a stroke.  

• Maternal infections: Infectious diseases caused by a virus, bacteria, or fungus can pose risks to both the mother and baby. Infections such as HIV and viral hepatitis can increase the risk of complications like pregnancy loss, stillbirth, and miscarriages. 

• Too much or too little amniotic fluid: Oligohydramnios, or low amniotic fluid levels, is a serious condition that can raise the risk of birth defects and stillbirth. Polyhydramnios, or too much amniotic fluid, might increase the likelihood of preterm labor or cesarean delivery. 

• Placental abruption: This is a serious complication that involves the premature separation of the placenta from the uterine lining. It can be life-threatening to both the baby and the mother. 

• Fetal anemia: This is a rare health problem in which the baby's red blood cell count falls below normal while the baby is still developing in the womb. 

• Fetal growth restriction: Fetal growth restriction is a condition in which the baby is smaller than expected for the baby's gestational age. This might lead to various short and long-term complications. 

A history of medical issues in a previous pregnancy, such as premature birth or hypertension disorders (high blood pressure), might also put you at a higher risk of pregnancy complications in future pregnancies. 

Symptoms and detection of a high-risk pregnancy

Prenatal care is crucial to a healthy pregnancy with the best outcome. Scheduling prenatal appointments and routine checkups with your doctor or obstetrician can help with the early detection of any potential fetal problems such as genetic conditions, blood disorders, neural tube defects, growth problems, or other complications that might increase the risk of pregnancy complications. 

It's also important to see your doctor as soon as possible if you experience any of the following symptoms while pregnant: 

• Vaginal bleeding

• Severe headaches with blurred vision

• Abdominal pain 

• Fever and feeling ill

• Difficulty in breathing or rapid breathing

• Swelling of the face, fingers, or legs 

• Decreased fetal activity

Depending on your condition and symptoms, your doctor may schedule certain tests and examinations. These may include ultrasounds, genetic screening, lab tests, or fetal heart rate monitoring. 

You may also be recommended further consultations with medical professionals such as a maternal-fetal medicine specialist. These specialists are well-trained to provide comprehensive care to mothers who have high-risk pregnancies. 

How to reduce the risk of pregnancy complications

While all pregnancies come with risks, there are a few things that mothers can do to increase their odds of healthy pregnancies and a healthy baby. 

These include the following: 

• Eat a healthy diet and adhere to any food restrictions, such as avoiding raw fish or undercooked meats during pregnancy. 

• Avoid smoking, drinking alcohol, and using illegal drugs. If necessary, seek medical advice on quitting smoking or alcohol use during your pregnancy. 

• Avoid secondhand smoke. 

• Take the necessary precautions to reduce the risk of infections, such as using masks or practicing good hygiene.

• Make sure you get enough sleep, and follow tips to help you manage stress. 

• Practice safe sex whenever necessary to reduce the risk of contracting a sexually transmitted disease. 

• Discuss with your doctor to find out if there are any supplements, such as folic acid, that can help increase your chances of a healthy pregnancy. 

• Work with your healthcare provider to closely monitor any pre-existing health conditions like diabetes and ensure they are well-managed to avoid potential complications. 

• Try to maintain a healthy body weight before and during your pregnancy. You can seek advice from your healthcare professional on how to safely exercise while pregnant. 

If you're concerned, seek medical attention for you and your baby early on in your pregnancy. If pregnancy complications arise, be sure to advise your doctor as soon as possible. Early detection of any possible issues can increase the chances of successful treatment and a healthy pregnancy. 

References

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6378831/ 

2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK572113/

3. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/high-risk-pregnancy  

4. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/gestational.html 

5. https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/preeclampsia/conditioninfo/risk-mother 

6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9217740/ 

7. http://ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK562326/ 

8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK562268/