High-Risk Pregnancy

A high-risk pregnancy is one where the mother, baby, or both have an increased chance of complications during pregnancy, labor, or after delivery. This doesn’t mean a negative outcome is certain—it simply means closer monitoring, specialized care, and timely intervention are required to ensure the best possible outcome.

With the right care and medical attention, most women with high-risk pregnancies go on to have healthy pregnancies and babies.

Who Is at Risk?

A pregnancy may be considered high-risk due to:

1. Maternal Health Conditions

• Diabetes (Type 1, Type 2, or gestational)
• High blood pressure (chronic or pregnancy-induced)
• Thyroid disorders
• Heart, kidney, or autoimmune diseases
• Obesity or underweight
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
• Blood clotting disorders
• Mental health conditions (e.g., severe anxiety, depression)

2. Pregnancy-Related Complications

• Multiple pregnancy (twins, triplets)
• Preeclampsia or eclampsia
• Placenta previa or placental abruption
• Preterm labor
• Gestational diabetes
• Fetal growth restriction (IUGR)
• Infections during pregnancy (e.g., TORCH, UTI, COVID-19)
• Previous pregnancy losses or preterm births

3. Maternal Age

• Teen pregnancy (<18 years)
• Advanced maternal age (>35 years)

4. Lifestyle and Social Factors

• Smoking, alcohol, or drug use
• Poor prenatal care
• Violence or high-stress environments

Symptoms to Watch For

If you are considered high-risk, it’s important to report any unusual symptoms to your doctor, such as:

• Severe or persistent abdominal pain
• Vaginal bleeding or fluid leakage
• Decreased fetal movements
• High fever or chills
• Severe headaches or vision changes
• Swelling in the hands, face, or legs
• Painful urination or shortness of breath

Early detection and treatment can prevent complications.

Diagnosis and Monitoring

A high-risk pregnancy is identified through prenatal screenings, blood tests, and imaging studies. Monitoring typically includes:

• Frequent antenatal visits
• Advanced ultrasound scans (growth scans, anomaly scans, Doppler studies)
• Blood pressure and blood sugar monitoring
• Non-Stress Tests (NST) or Biophysical Profile (BPP) to assess fetal well-being
• Amniocentesis or genetic testing if needed
• Hospitalization in certain cases for closer observation

Managing a High-Risk Pregnancy

Management depends on the reason for the high-risk status but generally includes:

1. Specialized Care

• Close follow-up with maternal-fetal medicine specialists
• Collaborative care with endocrinologists, cardiologists, or neurologists when needed

2. Medications and Treatments

• Insulin or metformin for gestational diabetes
• Low-dose aspirin or heparin for clotting disorders or preeclampsia prevention
• Antihypertensives for blood pressure control
• Steroids for fetal lung maturity in preterm risk

3. Nutrition and Lifestyle

• A well-balanced diet tailored to the condition (e.g., diabetic meal plan)
• Staying active with safe exercises
• Adequate hydration and sleep
• Avoiding alcohol, smoking, and stress triggers

4. Delivery Planning

• Early delivery may be planned in some cases (preterm)
• Cesarean section may be advised if vaginal delivery poses risk
• Careful selection of birth setting—preferably a hospital with NICU and high-risk maternity support

Emotional Support and Mental Health

High-risk pregnancies can be emotionally overwhelming. Support options include:

• Prenatal counseling and education
• Mental health support (especially for anxiety or depression)
• Family involvement and communication
• Support groups for women with similar experiences

Why Choose Aster Hospitals for High-Risk Pregnancy Care?

Aster Hospitals is fully equipped to manage complex and high-risk pregnancies with a team of experienced obstetricians, fetal medicine experts, neonatologists, and critical care specialists. Our 24/7 emergency services, advanced fetal monitoring, and state-of-the-art NICU ensure round-the-clock care and safety for both mother and baby. With cutting-edge imaging and diagnostic technology, we provide accurate monitoring throughout your pregnancy. Each care plan is personalized, addressing your specific health needs through a multidisciplinary approach. We also prioritize emotional well-being, offering support in birth planning and postpartum care—ensuring a safe, supported, and empowered journey into motherhood, no matter how challenging the path.