Pregnancy Risk
All women must be aware of whatever possible pregnancy risk could arise from their condition. There are always entailing risks with any pregnancy, but more so for high risk pregnancy. There are several contributors to a high risk pregnancy, but arming yourself with enough knowledge will not only help you understand it but deal with it as well.
Health Factors that Increase Pregnancy Risk
Pregnancies that are categorized as high risk are those women expecting multiple babies, those who had complicated pregnancies in the past, or are over the age of 35. Meanwhile, there are also some risks that arise during pregnancy. Most of them are due to chronic health conditions, so you need to have a health care provider check your health condition if you plan on conceiving.
Below is a list of few common health conditions that could lead to a high risk pregnancy:
- high blood pressure
- diabetes
- cancer
- heart disease
- autoimmune disorders
- STD
- kidney problems
Pregnancy Over Age 35
It is not entirely true that women around the age of 30 or 35 are incapable of carrying pregnancy, or that it can lead to a complicated pregnancy. As long as the woman is healthy for her age, then you can certainly expect a healthy pregnancy. However, there are certain problems that could arise. For pregnant women aged 35 and over, you are at risk for the following issues:
- problems on fertility
- diabetes
- high blood pressure
- miscarriage
- placenta previa
- genetically disordered baby
- multiple pregnancy
- caesarian
Due to the high risks involved with pregnancy for women over the age of 35, it is of utmost importance that you have regular prenatal care. Then, you will have the guidance of a medical professional to better evaluate your condition. In case any abnormalities are detected during your pregnancy period, your doctor will be readily aware and precautionary measures can be taken.
Risk Contributors During Pregnancy
While pregnant, some women would develop conditions that could endanger the fetus inside their womb. There are several factors or substances to which the pregnant woman is exposed to and might lead to high risk pregnancies or birth defects. As much as possible, you'd want to avoid this possibility. Here are a few contributors to cases of high risk pregnancy:
Drugs
Taking drugs while pregnant should be done with much caution. On the other hand, you must only take drugs recommended by your doctor and never self prescribe. There are a few drugs that are extremely dangerous to take when pregnant, which includes anticonvulsants, a few antibiotics like tetracycline or streptomycin, or angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE).
Disorders
By developing disorders associated with pregnancy, you could be putting both you and the fetus' life in danger. Most of these are caused by the changes experienced by a woman in her body. It includes fever, UTI, anemia, or infection.
Pregnancy Complications
Like with pregnancy disorders, cases of pregnancy complications could lead to more serious conditions such as excessive bleeding or losing the baby. Therefore, you need to make regular consultations with your doctor to ensure proper monitoring of your complicated pregnancy. A few possible complications that may arise include hyperemesis gravidarum, ectopic pregnancy, gestational diabetes, and lack or excessive amniotic fluid.
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