Procedures
High-risk pregnancy
Overview
Pregnancy and having a baby is a natural process that occurs in women. After 9 months of pregnancy, a woman goes into labour and gives birth to a baby. However, not all pregnancies go smoothly, as some women experience high-risk pregnancy. High-risk pregnancy occurs when there are potential health complications before, during or after delivery which may affect you, your baby or both of you.
High-risk pregnancies require management and special monitoring by a specialist obstetrician to help ensure the best outcome for both you and your baby.
What are the risk factors of a high-risk pregnancy?
In some cases, a high-risk pregnancy is a result of a medical condition that was present before pregnancy. In other cases, a medical condition may occur during pregnancy for either you or your baby, which may lead to your pregnancy being high risk.
The following factors may contribute to a high-risk pregnancy:
- Advanced maternal age – Women who are 35 years and older are at risk of having a high-risk pregnancy.
- Lifestyle choices – Smoking cigarettes, drinking alcohol and using illegal drugs may put a pregnancy at risk.
- Maternal health problems – These conditions include high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, epilepsy, thyroid disease, heart or blood disorders, poorly controlled asthma and infections, may increase pregnancy risks.
- Pregnancy complications – There are various complications that may arise during pregnancy which may pose risks. These may include an abnormal placenta, fetal growth that is less than the 10th percentile for gestational age and rhesus (Rh) sensitization (this is a condition which occurs when the mother’s blood group is Rh-negative, and the baby's blood group is Rh positive).
- Multiple pregnancies – Women who are carrying twins or more, are at risk of a more complicated pregnancy.
- Pregnancy history – A history of pregnancy-related hypertension disorders such as preeclampsia, increases the potential for a high-risk pregnancy. If you gave birth prematurely in your last pregnancy, you are at risk of giving birth prematurely in your next pregnancy.
How are pregnancy complications prevented or treated?
A preconception appointment is essential to ensure you are as healthy as you can be before you become pregnant. During this appointment, Dr Hlabisa may recommend steps to take to reduce the risk of certain problems. These may include:
- Getting proper immunizations
- Getting enough folic acid daily beginning and continuing through pregnancy
- Eating a healthy diet and maintaining proper weight
- Regular physical activity, unless advised otherwise by the obstetrician
- Avoiding cigarettes, alcohol, and drugs (except for medications prescribed by Dr Hlabisa)
- A regular check-up with the obstetrician
