Who is at risk for high risk pregnancy?

High Risk Pregnancy Care

Questions about high risk pregnancy? Get the facts to know whether or not you and your baby are at risk. Early high risk pregnancy care is essential to the health of both the mother-to-be and the fetus. Approximately 5-10% of pregnancies are considered “high risk.” One factor that contributes to high risk pregnancy is the age of the mother. High blood pressure or diabetes can be induced by pregnancy, the risks of which increase with age. The onset of these conditions then increases the risk of abnormal development in the baby. Women should also try to maintain a healthy weight during pregnancy. Women under 100lbs. are more likely to have underweight babies. Overweight women, on the other hand, are at risk for gestational diabetes and hypertension. Women with chronic medical conditions such as cancer, arthritis, diabetes and lupus are all at greater risk for complications during pregnancy.

While it is virtually impossible to control the effects of family medical history, there are plenty of factors which a woman can control. Smoking, alcohol and drug abuse are key factors in creating a high risk pregnancy, often resulting in spontaneous abortions and premature births. All of these negative effects can be avoided by quitting smoking, drinking, and using drugs. The harmful effects lead to low birth weight, congenital heart defects, behavioral problems, mental retardation,  and often a lifetime of health problems.

What You Can Do If You’re Diagnosed with a High Risk Pregnancy

Make sure you have the appropriate medical and emotional support team to help you through this difficult time. Remember that a high risk pregnancy diagnosis can still have a positive outcome. With proper medical attention, 90 -95% of high risk pregnancies result in healthy, fully developed babies. The earlier the warning signs of high risk pregnancy conditions are detected, the better the chances that both mother and child will be healthy.  Proper prenatal care is essential, because even though a pregnancy may begin normally, problems can develop at any time. Make sure to visit your doctor regularly, before and during your pregnancy.

7/19/2007 11:20:48 AM