High Risk Pregnancy Management under Dr. Kavya Rashmi
As beautiful as pregnancy is for the mother, it comes with its share of risks and some unpleasant symptoms. Unfortunately, not every woman experiences a smooth pregnancy journey.
For some, it’s a roller coaster ride, and for others, pregnancy involves complete bed rest.
If your pregnancy is labeled as high-risk, it means an increased risk of complications for the mother, the fetus, or both.
A high-risk pregnancy is more common in women above 35 than younger women, although age is only one of the many factors that determine your risk.
Your lifestyle, medical history, genetic conditions, weight, and overall health can also put you at increased risk of pregnancy-related complications.
If you have any concerns about pregnancy or your baby’s health, contact Dr. Kavya Rashmi Rao, a fertility specialist and obstetrician who specializes in managing high-risk pregnancies.
Dr. Kavya has helped mothers deliver successfully despite medical issues like gestational diabetes, hypertension, preeclampsia, and other such complications.
Dr. Kavya Rashmi Rao
Dr. Kavya is a compassionate and professional doctor. She’s a board-certified gynecologist who works with other healthcare providers to make your pregnancy journey as safe as possible. It’s advisable to see her before planning pregnancy, as she’ll recommend prenatal vitamins and proper instructions on how to ensure the mother’s and baby’s safety throughout the nine months. Have a healthy and viable pregnancy!
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An Overview of High-Risk Pregnancy
Some women know they will develop a high-risk pregnancy beforehand. Others develop complications during pregnancy.
Here are some common factors that make your pregnancy high-risk.
- Gestational diabetes: It can occur in the second or third trimester. Gestational diabetes increases the baby’s risk of low blood sugar levels, breathing issues, and jaundice.
- High Blood Pressure: Some women report a sudden spike in their blood pressure during pregnancy. Hypertension in pregnancy can lead to preeclampsia, which might put the mother and the baby’s life at stake.
- Maternal Age: Age is another common factor contributing to the increased risk during and after pregnancy. Women under 20 and above 35 are at a higher risk of pregnancy complications than those in their 20s and 30s.
- Existing Medical Condition: Women with thyroid disorders, kidney diseases, existing hypertension, depression, obesity, infections, asthma, and cardiovascular diseases are also at an increased risk of complications during pregnancy and childbirth.
- Placenta Previa: A condition in which the placenta covers your cervical opening. This increases the risk of bleeding during contractions. If the position of your placenta doesn’t go back to normal, your doctor might schedule a c-section delivery to prevent complications during childbirth.
A pregnancy can also be high risk if you are carrying multiples or have a history of a complicated pregnancy.
Steps for Managing High-Risk Pregnancy
Fortunately, there are ways to manage high-risk pregnancies. Here’s what you should do to reduce the risk of complications.
Schedule Regular Appointments With Your Gynecologist
You must work closely with Dr. Kavya to ensure your pregnancy is going smoothly and your baby is growing well.
Prenatal vitamins are a must before and during pregnancy. Folic acid, specifically, is needed before you conceive and in the first few months of pregnancy to prevent the risk of neural tube defects and other birth defects in the baby.
You might need multiple visits to the maternity hospital if you have a high-risk pregnancy. The doctor will monitor your blood pressure, diabetes, and other vitals to ensure you are in good health.
Avoid Taking Non-Prescription Drugs
Pregnant women are advised to take prescription drugs only. Even if you have a mild fever or cough, you should seek medical advice before taking any medicine.
Avoiding non-prescription drugs is even more important for women with high-risk pregnancies.
Get Specialized Ultrasound
Three-dimensional and four-dimensional ultrasounds can help identify problems with fetal development or placenta position.
They are also used to measure cervical length to ensure its appropriateness.
Practice Self Care
A surge in your pregnancy hormones can increase cortisol levels. This is even more common in women with high-risk pregnancies.
However, the more stressed you are, the higher the risk of complications.
Therefore, it’s important to follow meditation and self-care habits. These will help uplift your mood and maintain your mental health.
If you are too stressed about pregnancy or childbirth, seek medical support. Speak with a psychologist to control stress.
Follow a Healthy and Active Lifestyle
Diet, hydration, sleep, and physical activity are a few crucial factors that affect your and your baby’s health.
Have a balanced diet, preferably one rich in vital nutrients and vitamins. Add lots of omega-3 fatty acids, whole grains, green leafy vegetables, fruits and nuts, and legumes to your diet. Also, drink plenty of fluids to keep yourself hydrated.
Exercise is equally important for physical fitness unless your doctor advises otherwise. Likewise, make a habit of sleeping for 8 hours a day.
Avoid smoking and alcohol use throughout your pregnancy.
Lastly, Dr. Kavya will give detailed instructions on what to eat and avoid and which physical activities are safe. Follow her guidelines to ensure a smooth and safe pregnancy.
When to Seek Medical Care
Contact your doctor immediately if you notice any of these signs:
- Sudden and heavy vaginal bleeding
- Abdominal cramps that keep intensifying
- Pain in the chest
- Shortness of breath
- Leaking amniotic fluid
- Dizziness accompanied by blurred vision
- Fever and chills
- Not feeling the baby’s movements
- Severe headache
- Swelling in the face, legs, or fingers
- A burning sensation or pain while urinating
These symptoms might not always indicate a complication, but it’s best to see a doctor to rule out the possibility of an infection, pre-term labor, high blood pressure, preeclampsia, and other mother or fetal complications.
Dr. Kavya is a compassionate and professional doctor. She’s a board-certified gynecologist who works with other healthcare providers to make your pregnancy journey as safe as possible. It’s advisable to see her before planning pregnancy, as she’ll recommend prenatal vitamins and proper instructions on how to ensure the mother’s and baby’s safety throughout the nine months. Have a healthy and viable pregnancy!