In India, almost one-fifth of the pregnant women in rural areas have high-risk pregnancies, as indicated by a (2019) longitudinal study published on the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). High-risk pregnancies involve complications to the newborn or the mother that can be life-threatening. Early identification of high-risk pregnancies can be helpful in the appropriate intervention to improve maternal, obstetric, and neonatal obstacles.
Pregnancy before the age of 17 and after 35 might make things a little difficult. However, nowadays, more women are getting pregnant after their 30s and are giving birth to healthy babies. Getting older should not ruin the plan of motherhood.
FACTORS RELATED TO HIGH-RISK PREGNANCY
Pregnancy is like starting a new journey where everything seems new and can be confusing. It is natural to be overwhelmed by all the newness, but for some women, the process of motherhood and emotions related to it go overboard. This ranging behaviour of the mother increases the possibilities of high-risk pregnancy. There can also be many other reasons that can cause maternal health complications. Some of them include:
• Age – Pregnancy below 17 and after 35 can increase complications for both mother and her child. There can be an additional risk of miscarriage, genetic disorder, growth restrictions, and other conditions.
• Medical history – Mothers with pre-existing health conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid, heart problems, cancer, asthma, sexually transmitted diseases, and other disorders have a higher risk of miscarriage or other complications.
• Mental Health – Depression is one of the most common conditions that can affect the overall health of the mother and child. It may also affect the growth of the baby and might increase the chances of cesarean operation.
• Multiple pregnancies – Carrying more than one child in the womb increases the chances of premature labour, high blood pressure, and other complications that increase the risks in pregnancy.
• Pregnancy Complications – There can be several difficulties that may occur in the pregnancy like infections, a shortened cervix due to premature labour, gestational diabetes, or preeclampsia. In such cases, the expecting mother should be under the close supervision of the doctor.
MANAGING HIGH-RISK PREGNANCY
During pregnancy, a mother can experience distress in many ways. A pregnant woman might feel pain in the areas of the lower back, pelvic, headaches, frequent urination, and other involuntary symptoms that can damage a woman’s body during childbirth.
Some of the common issues that can help in the management of high-risk pregnancy are:
• Ultrasound – The regular examination of ultrasound helps ensure the health of the fetus during a high-risk pregnancy. It is usually done after 28 weeks of pregnancy, which can take 20-30 minutes.
• Targeted Ultrasound – The doctor conducts a nonstress test to check the complete heath of the fetus through the heart rate.
• DNA screening – The prenatal cell-free DNA screening helps identify any abnormalities in the chromosomes of the fetus.
• Lab Tests – Routine urine tests and blood tests during pregnancy are common and help identify infections like UTI, HIV, etc. that can harm the fetus and mother.
• Checking Cervix Length – This process is completely safe for both mother and the child, which helps determine if you require preterm birth or not.
WHAT TO EAT?
A balanced diet and holistic fitness are essential for both mother and her child. Experts suggest that food consumed, and other external activities experienced by the mother affect the growth of the child. A healthy diet for pregnant women should consist of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, proteins, and healthy fats.
Some of the foods that pregnant women must include in their diet are:
• Carbohydrates: vegetables, sweet potatoes, corn, potatoes, pasta, rice, and fruits.
• Protein: fish, meat, chicken, eggs, cheese, yoghurt, broccoli, beans, and lentils are good sources of protein.
• Fibre: Whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, lentils, oats, and chia seeds.
• Essential Minerals:
Zinc: whole grains, nuts and seeds, breakfast cereals, and dairy products
Calcium: milk, cheese, yoghurt, soybeans, soymilk, and soy nuts.
Iron: spinach, red kidney beans, chickpeas, and dried fruits like raisins, apricots are great sources of iron.
TIPS TO ENSURE A HEALTHY PREGNANCY
Complications in high-risk pregnancy can be terrifying, but you can prepare for a smooth process of childbirth by following these simple tips that can help you navigate through your difficult times.
• Book your doctor’s appointment and visit timely
• Quit smoking and consumption of alcohol, and other addictive substances like caffeine
•Fix your sleep cycle and get plenty of rest
• Regular and safe exercises during pregnancy help improve the mood
• Invest in a good maternity bra and all the essential baby products required for the newborn
Becoming a mother is tough, but your choices will decide the health of you and your baby.
Pregnancy with high risks is common for a gynaecologist, and all you need is a healthy diet, relaxed mood, and light exercises are for the growth and development of the child. There is no fancy formula to avoid the complications in high-risk pregnancy. The basic principle is to visit the doctor and follow all the instructions carefully to avoid uncertainties.
The writer is Obstetrician & Gynecologist, CK Birla Hospital, Delhi.
