Pregnancy is an exciting as well as challenging phase in a woman’s life, especially if she is pregnant for the first time. While every woman tries to be careful and follow the necessary steps for a smooth pregnancy, sometimes the situation can be a bit different. Some women have to go through high-risk pregnancy. In this section, we will explain the concept of high-risk pregnancy.
A high-risk pregnancy is one where the health or life of the mother or her fetus is affected due to complications. In such cases, specialised care from specially trained experts is required. Sometimes pregnancies become high risk as they progress, while some women are subject to risks for complications even before they get pregnant for various reasons.
A few factors that may lead to a high-risk pregnancy include:
• Age. Women who get pregnant at an older age, i.e, more than 35.
• Lifestyle habits. Some lifestyle choices such as smoking tobacco, drinking alcohol and drug abuse can put a pregnancy at risk.
• Health issues. High blood pressure, thyroid disease, heart or blood disorders, and infections can increase pregnancy risks.
• Weight issues. In case of obesity, there is an increase in the risk of having high blood pressure, gestational diabetes etc
• Multiple pregnancy. The pregnancy risks are higher for women carrying twins or higher order multiples.
If you're thinking about having a baby, consult your doctor. Your doctor will the best person to advise you to start taking a daily prenatal vitamin and recommend you to reach a healthy weight before you become pregnant. If you have a health ailment, your treatment might be aligned in preparation for pregnancy. Your doctor may also explain pregnancy risks, if any.
Prenatal visits can help your doctor monitor your health and your baby's health. You might have to consult a specialist in maternal-fetal medicine, genetics, pediatrics or other areas.
During pregnancy smoking tobacco, consumption of alcohol and other harmful substance should be quit completely. Consult your doctor about any medications or supplements that you're taking.
Every pregnancy is different, however, women need to take some precautions which may help reduce the risk of complications. Visit your doctor regularly and follow all the medical advice given. Trust what the doctor says and do not try to self-medicate or follow unauthorised tips.
One of the important components of our overall wellness is also being financially secured. Healthcare emergencies can happen any time, but a good health insurance policy can protect you from such uncertain situations. To know more about Wellness and other health related tips, visit the wellness corner.
Source:National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Mayo Clinic
Disclaimer: This blog provides general information and discussions about health and related subjects. The information and other content provided in this blog, website or in any linked materials are not intended and should not be considered, or used as a substitute for, medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Kindly contact your Doctor before starting a new medicine or health regime.
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