Facing a High-risk Pregnancy? Here's How to Reduce Complications & Stay Safe

• Written by Gungun Bhatia

  Reviewed by Munmi Sharma

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"I wasn't expecting complications—but I was told I had a high-risk pregnancy. That moment changed everything."

If you or someone close to you has heard those words, you know the flood of emotions they bring—fear, anxiety, and a thousand questions. But a high risk during pregnancy isn't a dead end. With the proper care, preparation, and support, many women go on to deliver healthy babies.

High-risk maternity cases are more common than you might realise, and they don’t always mean there's something wrong. It often just means that a little extra care and check-ups are needed. Let's break down a high-risk pregnancy, the signs to look out for in the first trimester, and tips to lower the risks for a safe and healthy experience.

What is a High-risk Pregnancy?

A high-risk pregnancy is one in which the mother or the unborn baby faces a greater chance of complications before, during or after delivery. This doesn't always indicate something dangerous, but you'll need special care to reduce potential problems.

Some pregnancies start low-risk and become high-risk due to complications. Others are high-risk from the beginning due to existing medical conditions, age, or past pregnancy issues.

What Increases the Risk of a High-risk Pregnancy?

There isn't just one reason—a mix of medical issues, genes, and lifestyle choices can raise your risk. Here are some of the usual high-risk pregnancy factors:

Maternal Age

Women under 17 or over 35 are at a higher risk of complications like miscarriage, preeclampsia, chromosomal abnormalities, and gestational diabetes.

Pre-existing Health Conditions

Chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney disease, or autoimmune disorders can complicate pregnancy and increase mental-fetal risk.

Multiple Pregnancies

Having twins or triplets can take a toll on your body and raise the chances of preterm labour or low birth weight. There are also problems like unusual placenta placement or growth restrictions that can make things trickier.

Lifestyle Issues

Smoking, alcohol consumption, poor nutrition, and high-stress levels may contribute to high-risk maternity concerns.

Mental Health Issues

When women experience depression during pregnancy, it can lead to some serious issues. For example, it might cause the baby to be born earlier than expected, which is called preterm birth. Plus, mothers who are dealing with depression may end up needing a cesarean section more often rather than having a vaginal delivery.

History of Complications

Past experiences like miscarriages, stillbirths, or premature deliveries increase the risk of subsequent pregnancies.

Obesity or Being Underweight

Both extremes of weight can lead to problems like gestational diabetes, low birth weight, or even the need for a C-section.

Placenta Previa

Another pregnancy-related condition that might put the lady at risk during her pregnancy and delivery is placenta previa. This disorder results in heavy bleeding, particularly when a woman experiences contractions. To reduce the danger of bleeding for both the mother and the unborn child, doctors may decide to schedule a cesarean section.

Infections

STDs, urinary tract infections, and other infections during pregnancy can be risky if not detected early.

Understanding these high-risk pregnancy factors is the first step in prevention and care planning. 

High-risk Pregnancy in the First Trimester: What You Should Know

The first trimester is a critical window for fetal development, and high-risk pregnancies can often be identified during this period. Here are key things to watch for:

• Unusual bleeding or spotting
• Pain or cramping in the lower abdomen
• Elevated blood sugar or early signs of gestational diabetes
• Severe nausea and vomiting
• High blood pressure readings
• Rapid weight loss or poor appetite
• Excessive swelling of hands, face, or legs
• Painful or burning urination

If you're feeling these symptoms, don't worry too much. A lot of them can be handled with prompt medical help. Catching things early is essential when it comes to handling high-risk pregnancies.

>> Also Read: Foods To Avoid In Pregnancy - Check the List

How is a High-risk Pregnancy Diagnosed?

A doctor will check your health, go over your medical history, and run some tests, such as:

• Blood tests for infections and conditions like anaemia
• Blood pressure monitoring
• Glucose screening for gestational diabetes
• Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) for genetic conditions
• Ultrasounds to monitor fetal growth and placental health

Continuous monitoring is key in high-risk maternity care. You may need more frequent prenatal visits and specialised scans.

Managing High-risk Pregnancy: What Can You Do

While some factors are beyond your control, there's a lot you can do to reduce the risks and ensure a safe pregnancy:

Attend All Prenatal Appointments

Regular check-ups are super important during pregnancy. They allow your doctor to monitor how your baby is growing and how you’re doing as a mom. These visits help catch any problems early on so you can get the proper care immediately. So, don’t skip those appointments—they're a big part of having a smooth pregnancy!

Adopt a Nutrient-rich Diet

Eat a balanced diet with adequate folic acid, iron, calcium, protein, and hydration. Avoid raw or undercooked food and limit caffeine.

Follow a Tailored Medical Plan

It's essential to stay in touch with your OB-GYN. If you are in a particular situation needing extra attention, don't hesitate to involve a maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) specialist. They'll work together to create a care plan that's right for you, considering your specific health needs.

Hospital Bed Rest or Early Delivery

Sometimes, if there are issues like preeclampsia or if the baby isn’t growing as expected, your doctor might suggest that you need to be hospitalised. They could also talk to you about the possibility of inducing labour early or having a C-section. Don't hesitate to ask your doctor any questions or share your worries; they are there to help you through the process.

Manage Chronic Conditions

If you already have some health issues like high blood pressure or diabetes, it’s essential to keep them in check. Make sure you stick to your prescribed medications and consider changing your daily habits. Eating healthier, staying active, and watching your health can all make a big difference.

High-risk Pregnancy Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the nature of the risk. In many high-risk pregnancy cases, it may include:

• Medication: To control blood pressure and blood sugar or prevent preterm labour.
• Bed Rest: Sometimes, partial or complete bed rest is suggested, especially with cervical insufficiency or placenta previa.
• Hospital Monitoring: In some situations, you may need extended hospitalisation in the third trimester.
• Scheduled C-Section: If the baby is in distress or the pregnancy can't continue safely, a cesarean delivery may be planned.

How can Health Insurance Make a Difference in Managing High-risk Pregnancy?

Managing a high-risk pregnancy can be demanding and costly. With a maternity health insurance plan, these expenses can be managed well. At Care Health Insurance, we offer maternity coverage under the ‘JOY’ plan that helps you get the care you need without worrying about high bills.

If you're planning to have a baby, check out the JOY plan, which includes maternity benefits, newborn coverage, hospital fees, and NICU costs. Get this plan now to feel more secure during this critical time.

High-risk Doesn’t Mean High Fear

A high-risk pregnancy can seem scary, but it's not the end of the world — it just means you need to be more careful and stay informed. You can get through this confidently with a good medical team, reliable support from your loved ones, and extra self-care.

Every pregnancy is different. If you're dealing with high risks or want to avoid problems, being prepared and knowing what to expect is key.

Keep in mind that you’re not alone. With the right care, healthy habits, and timely help, the aim is always the same — to have a safe delivery and welcome a happy, healthy baby.

Disclaimer: The above information is for reference purposes only. Kindly consult your general physician for verified medical advice. The health insurance benefits are subject to policy terms and conditions. Refer to your policy documents for more information.