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Pregnancy is a remarkable phase in a woman’s life, but it sometimes comes with challenges.  Some pregnancies are classified as high-risk due to factors that may affect the health of the mother, baby, or both. Understanding these risk factors is crucial for ensuring a safe and healthy pregnancy. Whether its maternal age, pre-existing medical conditions, a history of complications, or lifestyle choices, recognising these elements can help expectant mothers take proactive steps toward better outcomes. In this blog, we’ll explore the key contributors to high-risk pregnancies and how they can be managed effectively.

Maternal Age and Pre-Existing Medical Conditions

Yes, age is a significant factor in pregnancy outcomes. Women under 17 or over 35 are more prone to complications. Teenage pregnancies often coincide with anemia, preterm births, and low birth weight infants. On the other hand, pregnancies in women over 35, which is termed “advanced maternal age,” are associated with higher risks of miscarriage, chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome, and fetal growth restrictions.

Pre-existing medical conditions further complicate pregnancies. Chronic hypertension can lead to pre-eclampsia, restricted fetal growth, and preterm birth. Diabetes, left unchecked, increases the risk of miscarriages and other birth defects like heart problems and neural tube anomalies. Autoimmune diseases, for example, lupus or multiple sclerosis, increase the risk significantly when pregnancy is concerned.

Obstetric History: Previous Complications and Outcomes

A woman’s obstetric history offers valuable insights into potential risks. Prior experiences with preterm deliveries, stillbirths, or infants born with genetic or congenital disorders can indicate an increased likelihood of recurrence. Additionally, a history of multiple gestations or birth injuries necessitates heightened monitoring in subsequent pregnancies.

Lifestyle Factors and Their Impact on Pregnancy

Lifestyle choices significantly influence pregnancy outcomes. Substance use, including tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drugs, adversely affects fetal development. Exposure to environmental toxins, such as certain chemicals or pollutants, can also pose risks. Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial, as both underweight and obesity are associated with complications like gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, and delivery challenges.

In recent years, there’s been a notable increase in gestational diabetes cases, attributed to factors like higher maternal age and rising obesity rates. A study reviewing 1.8 million pregnancies in Australia found a nearly 70% increase in gestational diabetes over six years, underscoring the importance of addressing lifestyle factors before and during pregnancy.

How to Avoid These Risks

While many of these high-risk pregnancy factors may be out of your control, there are proactive steps you can take to reduce the risks. For maternal age, if you are older than 35, it is advisable to get a good preconception check-up and manage any pre-existing medical conditions before attempting conception. Regular prenatal visits will allow your healthcare provider to monitor for potential complications early on, especially if you have a history of pregnancy complications. Managing chronic conditions like diabetes or hypertension through medication, healthy eating, and regular physical activity is crucial. Additionally, maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding harmful substances, including tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drugs, significantly lowers the risks of pregnancy complications. Finally, staying physically active and managing stress through relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation helps improve overall health and reduces the likelihood of complications.

If you are an OBG professional aspiring to excel in high-risk obstetrics, join the StudyHRO course by StudyMEDIC to equip yourself with the advanced skills and knowledge needed to manage complex obstetric cases confidently. To learn more, feel free to contact our team today.

Authored By: C Subhiksha