High-Risk Obstetrics
High-Risk Obstetrics refers to pregnancies that involve greater chances of complications for the mother, baby, or both. Such cases require specialized care, close monitoring, and timely interventions to ensure the best outcomes. High-risk pregnancies may occur due to maternal age (teenage or over 35 years), pre-existing medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, thyroid disorders, heart or kidney disease, or complications that arise during pregnancy like preeclampsia, multiple pregnancies (twins or more), or abnormal fetal growth. Lifestyle factors such as obesity, smoking, alcohol consumption, or poor nutrition can also contribute to high-risk conditions.
Common High-Risk Pregnancy Conditions
Obstetrics and Gynaecology is a specialized branch of medical science that focuses on women’s reproductive health, pregnancy, and childbirth. It combines two vital fields — Obstetrics, which deals with pregnancy, prenatal care, safe delivery, and postnatal recovery, and Gynaecology, which focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the female reproductive system such as the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, and cervix.
- Maternal Age Factors – Pregnancies in women younger than 18 or older than 35.
- Medical Conditions – Diabetes, hypertension, thyroid disorders, heart disease, kidney disease.
- Pregnancy Complications – Preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, placenta previa, multiple pregnancy (twins/triplets).
- Previous Pregnancy History – Miscarriages, stillbirths, cesarean deliveries, preterm births.
- Lifestyle Factors – Obesity, smoking, alcohol, or drug use.
Symptoms That May Indicate High-Risk Pregnancy
- Severe headaches or blurred vision
- Swelling of hands, face, or feet
- Vaginal bleeding or unusual discharge
- Decreased or no fetal movement
- Persistent abdominal pain or contractions
- Sudden weight gain
- Breathlessness or chest pain
Diagnosis and Monitoring
- Ultrasound Scans – To monitor baby’s growth and development
- Blood Pressure Monitoring – For hypertension and preeclampsia detection
- Blood & Urine Tests – To check for gestational diabetes, anemia, or infections
- Fetal Monitoring (NST, CTG, Doppler) – To assess baby’s heart rate and placental function
- Amniocentesis & Genetic Testing – In selected cases to detect genetic disorders