High-risk pregnancy: How to manage and minimise complications
Written in association with:
Published: 29/11/2024
Edited by: Carlota Pano
A high-risk pregnancy is a pregnancy that involves complications that could affect the health of the mother, the baby, or both. If you have a high-risk pregnancy, it’s essential to take steps to manage your and your baby’s health carefully.
This article explains how a high-risk pregnancy is managed, the importance of fetal monitoring, and the likelihood of needing a caesarean delivery.
How is a high-risk pregnancy managed?
Managing a high-risk pregnancy requires careful monitoring and a well-planned approach to care. The first step is regular prenatal visits to ensure that both you and your baby are healthy throughout your pregnancy. Based on your specific risk factors, your obstetrician may recommend more frequent visits, ultrasounds, or blood tests.
You will likely be asked to avoid activities that could strain your body, and may be advised to rest more frequently. If your pregnancy is high-risk due to factors like high blood pressure or gestational diabetes, it’s essential to follow your obstetrician’s recommendations on diet, exercise, and medications.
Furthermore, mental health is another key aspect of managing a high-risk pregnancy. The stress and anxiety that come with higher health risks can take a toll, so it’s important to find ways to reduce stress. Relaxation techniques, psychotherapy, or joining a support group can be incredibly helpful.
What is fetal monitoring, and why is it important?
Fetal monitoring is a process used to observe the health and wellbeing of your baby during pregnancy. This monitoring may include regular ultrasounds, non-stress tests, or biophysical profiles, which assess your baby’s heart rate, movement, muscle tone, and amniotic fluid levels.
In a high-risk pregnancy, fetal monitoring is especially important because it helps detect potential complications, including fetal distress, preterm labour, and problems affecting fetal development, allowing for timely intervention if necessary.
If I have a chronic medical condition, how can I safely manage my high-risk pregnancy?
Chronic medical conditions, such as hypertension, diabetes, or autoimmune conditions, can increase the risks associated with a high-risk pregnancy. If you have a chronic medical condition, it’s important to collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of specialists to ensure that your health and your baby’s health are carefully monitored throughout your pregnancy.
For example, if you have hypertension, you may be prescribed medication to help manage it and recommended lifestyle changes such as reducing salt and avoiding stress. Similarly, if you have diabetes, your blood sugar levels will need to be closely monitored, and your healthcare team will help you manage your diet and medication to keep your levels stable.
In some cases, your healthcare team will also recommend additional tests, such as regular blood pressure monitoring or blood glucose tests, as part of your care plan to ensure your condition is well-controlled.
Will I need a caesarean delivery if my pregnancy is high-risk?
A caesarean section (C-section) may be necessary in some high-risk pregnancies, but it’s not always required. The need for a C-section depends on various factors, including the health of the baby, the progression of the pregnancy, and any complications that arise.
In some cases, conditions like gestational hypertension, placenta previa (where the placenta covers the cervix), or certain fetal health issues may make a vaginal delivery too risky, in which case a C-section will be recommended to prevent further complications during delivery. Additionally, if your baby is in a breech position or shows signs of distress during labour, a caesarean may be needed.
It’s important to understand that a caesarean delivery comes with its own set of risks, including longer recovery times, increased risk of infection, and complications related to scar tissue in future pregnancies. However, if a C-section is medically necessary, your healthcare team will work with you to minimise these risks and ensure that you and your baby are safe.