Risky pregnancy

What is a risky pregnancy?

A high-risk pregnancy is one that presents complications or associated factors that can harm the health of the mother and the fetus. It is currently quantified that approximately 10% of pregnancies are considered high risk.

Symptoms of high-risk pregnancy

Pregnancy happens differently in each woman, but there are some warning signs to go to the doctor immediately:

  • Fever of 28 degrees or higher, as high fever for a prolonged time (several days) can harm the fetus.
  • Pain on one side of the belly in early pregnancy, as this could be an ectopic pregnancy.
  • Pain, discomfort and blood in urination.
  • Continuous and incessant vomiting.
  • Blood when coughing.
  • Frequent diarrhea lasting several days, sometimes accompanied by mucus or blood.
  • Intense headaches, accompanied by vision disorders such as blurred vision, seeing spots or flashes.
  • Swelling of the hands, ankles or face, may be a symptom of preeclampsia.
  • Abdominal pain similar to a very intense contraction that does not stop, as well as cramps in the abdomen.
  • Heavy vaginal bleeding, which poses a significant risk of miscarriage.
  • After five months of gestation, if a significant decrease in the activity or movement of the fetus is detected.

Causes of risky pregnancy

Main factors that can influence a high-risk pregnancy:

The mother’s age: mothers older than 35 years may present symptoms of risk pregnancy such as fibroids, increased blood pressure, increases that the child is born with a chromosome disease or may develop problems with anesthesia. When the mother is younger than 15 years old, it is also dangerous, since it increases the chances of suffering from preeclampsia.

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The mother’s weight: If the mother weighs less than 45 kg, the baby may be born underweight. If the mother is obese, she may develop gestational diabetes, and if she is less than 1.60 m tall and has a small pelvis, the chances of premature delivery increase.

Abnormalities of the genital apparatus: problems in the uterus or ovaries can cause ovarian, for example fibroids can cause complications in the part, abnormal presentation of the fetus, premature births or even miscarriages.

Maternal health: maternal illnesses can cause miscarriages, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, thyroid disease, diabetes, kidney disease, respiratory disease, coagulation problems, etc.

Teratogenic substances: substances that interfere with the development of the fetus and cause abnormalities, such as some drugs, alcohol, cocaine or radiation from X-rays, UVA or UVB rays, are called teratogenic.

Can risky pregnancy be prevented?

During pregnancy, we always try to avoid as far as possible the factors that can cause complications in the fetus. Thus, it is advisable to carry out a correct gynecological control of the development of the pregnancy in order to detect any anomaly in time, as well as to avoid diseases and exposure to teratogenic substances.

Follow-up of high-risk pregnancies

In many cases, if a high-risk pregnancy is closely monitored and followed up, the fetus can be born without major complications for the fetus or the mother. Frequent check-ups and care of the mother are essential during a high-risk pregnancy.