What Determines a High Risk Pregnancy?
A pregnancy is described as high risk when certain factors put either the mother's or the baby's life at risk. A woman who is planning to get pregnant should be in the best health possible to lessen the chances of a high risk pregnancy.
Other People Are Reading
-
Before Pregnancy
-
There are many factors that can cause a pregnancy to be labeled high risk, such as the age of the mother. If a woman is over 30 when she becomes pregnant, the baby is at a high risk of having a chromosomal abnormality such as Down Syndrome.
During Pregnancy
-
During pregnancy, the mother can develop problems such as gestational diabetes, which is diabetes that occurs during pregnancy or preeclampsia, which includes protein in the kidneys and high blood pressure. Women who are overweight or have high blood pressure have a higher risk of developing these conditions.
-
Treatment
-
If a doctor determines that your pregnancy is high risk, he will come up with a plan to monitor your health and may prescribe medications, depending on the problem. He may also put you on bed-rest.
Warning
-
It is important that you go to all prenatal appointments so your doctor can regulate your health and the health of your baby. If you experience any cramping or bleeding, contact your doctor or go to the emergency room.
Fact
-
According to Dr. Lee Rigg, an Ob/Gyn who focuses on high risk pregnancies and is certified in maternal and fetal medicine, 90 to 95 percent of high risk pregnancies produce healthy babies.
Considerations
-
Before getting pregnant, try to be in the best health possible. Eat nutritiously, exercise, and take folic acid supplements or prenatal vitamins.
-
