When they give you a diagnosis of risk pregnancy it is scary, but you should not worry. Which means that there is a greater chance that something could go wrong but no problem necessarily has to occur. They will only do more controls and follow-ups than usual to prevent as soon as possible any complication that may exist if there is one. We explain you what is a risk pregnancy and what are the possible factors.
What is a risk pregnancy?
A normal pregnancy allows us to live a life more or less the same as before, except for the belly that is getting bigger and bigger and the discomfort it can bring. But in general, everything passes normally, with the usual controls for each pregnant woman.
But sometimes due to some associated factors that we will see later, your pregnancy may be considered risky since they can affect the health of the mother, the fetus or both. As we mentioned above, you will need greater attention to control any possible complications.
Only 10% of pregnancies are considered high risk due to circumstances that may occur before pregnancy, during or after pregnancy.
What factors are involved in being considered a risk pregnancy?
The factors can be several and a early detection to follow up as soon as possible and reduce the possible risks that may exist. The more risk factors you have, the more likely you are to have a risky pregnancy. The most important factors to consider are:
- Women under 15 years old and over 40 years old, are more likely to have a risky pregnancy.
- The weight of both excess and defect of the mother. Being overweight increases the risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, or other complications, and being underweight can also put pregnancy at risk.
- Multiple pregnancy. Pregnancies with twins, triplets, or more increase the risk of having a preterm birth. The average of the pregnancies of twins is usually around 35 weeks, those of triplets 33 weeks and those of quadruplets 31 weeks.
- Lifestyles during pregnancy. Smoking, drinking alcohol or any other addiction can cause serious problems during pregnancy.
- Previous abortions. Having suffered abortions before requires a follow-up to the elderly.
What is the treatment for a risky pregnancy?
Pues will depend on the causes that are. In some cases, it will only be necessary a longer follow-up, lead a healthy lifestyle and rest. In others, the use of medication will also be necessary.
That's why it's so necessary follow medical advice, to make an evaluation according to your condition and that of the fetus and establish the appropriate treatment according to your case. Prevention is essential in these cases.
Can you prevent having a risky pregnancy?
Well, everything will depend on the factor. There are some that we cannot manipulate, such as our age, but there are factors that are within our power to change, such as the quit negative habits (smoking, drinking alcohol), have a suitable weight, control diabetes if any ...
In other cases they may be factors that come after pregnancy such as gestational diabetes, in these cases we must follow medical indications. The follow-up, visits and medical tests will depend on the risk for the mother and the fetus, and the moment of the pregnancy in which you are. In some cases, hospitalization is required to be more vigilant.
If you are thinking of going for the baby, the ideal is to plan the pregnancy and take the necessary tests of your health. This will improve conditions during pregnancy. If you have any questions before or during pregnancy consult with your doctor to rule out possible problems. It will explain what signs to watch out for to go to the emergency room as soon as possible.
Because remember ... having a risky pregnancy does not imply that there will be problems, only that you have to monitor it more.