What Are the Symptoms of High-Risk Pregnancy?
High-risk pregnancies can be dangerous for both mother and baby. These conditions occur when there are potential complications before, during, or after childbirth. It’s important for pregnant women to be aware of the symptoms of high-risk pregnancy in order to seek early treatment and reduce the chance of complications.
Common Symptoms of High-Risk Pregnancy
Some of the most common symptoms of high-risk pregnancy are:
- Chronic Health Issues: If a pregnant woman has chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, thyroid problems, autoimmune diseases, or seizure disorders, she is more likely to have a high-risk pregnancy.
- Maternal Age: Women over the age of 35 and women under the age of 17 are more likely to experience high-risk pregnancies.
- Uterine and Placental Issues: Conditions such as uterine fibroids, placental abruption, or placenta previa can increase the risk of a high-risk pregnancy.
- Infections:Certain infections, such as sexually transmitted infections, listeria, rubella, or toxoplasmosis can cause pregnant women to become high risk.
- Genetic Disabilities: Women who are carriers of genetic disorders, such as Down syndrome or cystic fibrosis, can be considered high-risk during pregnancy.
- Lifestyle: Poor lifestyle choices such as smoking or drug use can increase the risk of having a high-risk pregnancy.
Signs and Symptoms
Specific signs and symptoms of high-risk pregnancy can vary depending on the underlying condition but may include:
- Shortness of breath
- Excessive fatigue
- Uterine contractions
- High blood pressure
- Swelling in the face, hands, and feet
- Protein in the urine
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding
- Abdominal pain
- Persistent headaches
- Nausea and vomiting
- Weight gain/loss
If you experience any of the above symptoms, you should speak with a doctor right away. Early diagnosis and treatment of a high-risk pregnancy can help to reduce the risk of complications and ensure the best possible outcome for both mom and baby.
Welcome to my fertility blog. This is a space where I will be sharing my experiences as I navigate through the world of fertility treatments, as well as provide information and resources about fertility and pregnancy.
