What is high-risk pregnancy?
A high-risk pregnancy is exactly what the name suggests; it’s a pregnancy in which there is a risk to either the mother or the child over and above the natural challenges that come with pregnancy. Having a high-risk pregnancy expert like Dr. Vishwanath involved can mitigate much of that risk, helping you remain calm and comfortable as you bring your baby to full term.
What causes a high-risk pregnancy?
Some women experience high-risk pregnancies because of a condition that existed before conception, while other normal pregnancies develop into high-risk pregnancies as the baby grows. Some of the most common causes of high-risk pregnancy include the following.
Pre-existing medical conditions
Pre-existing medical conditions in the mother can create a high-risk pregnancy in which either she or the baby is at higher-than-normal risk. Those conditions include:
- Autoimmune diseases
- Blood disorders
- High blood pressure
- Obesity
- Thyroid disease
- Heart problems
- Lupus
- STDs
- History of miscarriage or other problems during pregnancy
If you plan to become pregnant, it’s important that you meet with your doctor to identify any pre-existing conditions beforehand. Knowing about them can help you keep yourself and your baby safe during pregnancy.
Medical conditions that develop during pregnancy
As mentioned above, pregnancy can take its toll on the body. Even if you were at your healthiest upon entering into your pregnancy, medical conditions can develop as you grow the life inside you. Gestational diabetes, a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy, is a prime example. Fortunately, with proper treatment, most women diagnosed with medical conditions during their pregnancy are still able to deliver healthy babies.
The age of the mother
Pregnancies among women under the age of 17 or over the age of 35 are often considered high-risk. Outside of the late teens, 20s, and early 30s, women have a higher risk of miscarriage or genetic defects in the baby.
What do I do if I have a high-risk pregnancy?
If your pregnancy is high-risk, Dr. Vishwanath can help. He has years of experience helping women in this situation adopt the best lifestyle and use the right treatments to protect themselves and their babies. He can work with you to mitigate the specific risks of your pregnancy so you can enjoy this process with reduced stress.
For more information about high-risk pregnancy care, call Fresno Women’s Care or book your appointment online today.
