Introduction:
High-risk pregnancy identification is critical and must be done beforehand to ensure a risk-free delivery and a healthy baby. Even though the pregnancy process involves some risks, in high-risk pregnancies, the risks can endanger the mother and fetal health. So during gestation, maternal and prenatal supervision is needed much more in high-risk pregnancies.
What Are the Causative Factors of High-Risk Pregnancy?
The causes of high-risk pregnancy are:
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Previous history of miscarriages.
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Prior history of before the full term deliveries.
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History of heart disease.
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Elevated blood pressure during pregnancy.
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Diabetic pregnant women.
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Twins or three fetuses in the womb.
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Severe blood loss during gestation.
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Detachment of the placenta from the uterus even before delivery.
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Before the term labor pain.
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Destruction of red blood cells (hemolytic anemia).
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Decreased number of platelets which are essential for blood clotting.
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Prior history of bleeding disorders.
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Thalassemia-inherited blood disorder in which hemoglobin (an oxygen-carrying protein) and red blood cells are less.
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Thrombosis-blood clots and blocks arteries and veins.
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Epilepsy-causing seizures.
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Ruptured blood vessels cause bleeding inside the brain and hemorrhage.
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Cervical, ovarian, and breast cancers.
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Fibroids in the uterus.
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Congenital disabilities to the fetus.
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Antiphospholipid syndrome-in this, the immune system acts on normal proteins.
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Labor pain before term.
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History of Cesarean operation.
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Cephalopelvic disproportion (CPD)-a baby cannot pass through the birth canal.
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Labor pain is prolonged.
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Shoulder dystocia -when one or both the shoulders get stuck in the pelvis during labor and birth.
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The placenta is retained.
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The uterus position is misplaced.
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Disruption of the uterus.
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Rh negative mother.
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Low-lying placenta.
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Smoking cigarettes.
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Consumption of alcohol.
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The mother's younger age, below seventeen, is also a high-risk pregnancy.
What Are the Symptoms of a High-Risk Pregnancy?
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Severe abdominal pain.
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Loss of consciousness.
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Weakness.
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Fetal movement is decreased.
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High-grade fever.
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Palpitations of the heart.
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Shortness of breath.
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Severe nausea and vomiting.
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Increased bleeding from the vagina.
What Are the Problems Associated with High-Risk Pregnancy?
The high-risk symptoms in pregnant women are:
In the First Trimester:
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The fertilized eggs do not grow inside the uterus; they grow outside and damage the nearby organs, known as ectopic pregnancy.
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Higher chance of abortion.
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The non-cancerous tumor develops in the uterus as a result of non-viable pregnancy.
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There is a rupture of the uterus.
In the Second Trimester:
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Weak cervical tissue causes premature birth.
In the Third Trimester:
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The uterus's opening, the cervix, is covered by the placenta either entirely or partially.
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The growth of the placenta is deeply extending to the uterine wall.
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Heavy bleeding even after giving birth.
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There is uterine abruption.
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There is a collapse of the uterine fundus into endometrial activity.
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There is increased blood pressure.
What Are the Diagnostic Tests for a High-Risk Pregnancy?
The Non-invasive Diagnostic Tests Are:
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Fetal Ultrasound: Fetal ultrasound -uses reflected sound waves to produce a picture of the fetus.
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First Trimester: In the first trimester, fetal ultrasound is done to know how the pregnancy is progressing and if there is more than one fetus. To enumerate the duration of gestation of the fetus. Estimate the chromosomal and congenital disabilities that affect the brain and spinal cord.
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Second Trimester: In the second trimester, observe the size and position of the fetus, placenta, and amniotic fluid. It also detects neural tube defects and heart problems.
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Third Trimester: In the third trimester, for the movement of the fetus.
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Cardiotocography: Cardiotocography-this is done to record the heartbeat of the fetus and uterine contractions during gestation, and the machine is a cardiotocograph.
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Nonstress Test: A nonstress test is advised for women at increased risk of fetal death. Usually done at 26 weeks of gestation, used to monitor fetal heart rate.
The Invasive Diagnostic Tests Are:
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Chorionic Villi Sampling: These are tiny structures in the placenta. They contain cells that are removed through a needle. This is done to determine genetic disorders in the fetus. This is done before 15 weeks.
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Amniocentesis: This is a test done to look for congenital disabilities and genetic problems.
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Embryoscopy: Direct visualization of the fetus.
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Fetoscopy: Allow surgical access to the fetus.
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Contraction Stress Test: It is performed near the end of delivery to observe how the fetus will tolerate the contractions during childbirth.
What Is the Management for High-Risk Pregnancy?
Check up with the gynecologist frequently.
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A complete history of the pregnant woman is prior pregnancy history, if any, family history, and pre-existing disorders history.
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Make a note of the blood pressure and other vital signs frequently.
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Conduct ultrasounds, other diagnostic procedures, and correct fetal evaluation to provide the proper treatment.
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Monitor the medications used during the gestation period correctly.
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A multi-treatment approach must be followed to provide appropriate treatment for complications during gestation.
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Another medical physician consultation is also recommended.
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In case of fetal distress, that is not enough oxygen for the baby, immediately provide oxygen support medications and fluids to pregnant women or change the position.
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Opt for early delivery if there is a high risk for both mother and the fetus.
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Emergency C-sections are performed in critical cases to reduce health risks.
What Is the Prevention for High-Risk Pregnancy?
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Complete avoidance of cigarettes and alcohol during gestation.
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Opting for a healthy lifestyle and correct body mass index before pregnancy.
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Prohibiting intake of high-dosage drugs.
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Supervising drugs consumed during gestation is safe, and long-term drug usage is not recommended.
Conclusion:
Proper management of the risks and timely treatment modalities can ensure safe delivery. A high-risk pregnancy can cause severe side effects to the fetus and cause lifelong problems and brain disorders. In cases of severe symptoms, report to the doctor as the earliest. Preliminary information regarding the risks to the pregnant woman is mandatory. Educating the mother regarding the dangers of consuming alcohol and other illicit substances during gestation. The ultimate goal is to maintain the health of the mother and fetus and the delivery of a baby without any potential threat. Motivating the pregnant women to get themselves to undergo specialized tests and scanning procedures to interpret the risks beforehand.
