Pregnancy is a delicate process in which many biological and physical changes occur in the mother's body. These changes generally occur to ensure the healthy development of the baby. However, some situations can pose serious health risks for both the mother and the baby. A risky pregnancy is a condition that makes it difficult for the pregnancy to progress normally due to chronic diseases that the mother has previously had or complications that develop during pregnancy. In such pregnancies, a special monitoring process called risky pregnancy monitoring is applied.
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What is a Risky Pregnancy?
A risky pregnancy is a condition that requires special checks to be followed during the pregnancy process in the presence of a medical condition that threatens the health of the mother or the baby. These pregnancies should be monitored more closely and early precautions should be taken against possible complications. Risky pregnancy follow-up is supported by check-ups, laboratory tests and imaging techniques performed at certain intervals to protect the health of the mother and the baby.
Why is Risky Pregnancy Follow-up Performed?
Risky pregnancy follow-up is performed to early diagnose health problems that may occur during pregnancy and to apply the correct treatment methods. Thanks to this follow-up:
- The health of the mother and the baby is checked regularly.
- Possible complications are detected early and the treatment process is started.
- The mother-to-be is ensured to have a comfortable and healthy pregnancy.
- Necessary precautions are taken for the safe birth of the baby.
What are the Factors That Make Pregnancy Risky?
A risky pregnancy can be caused by the health status of the mother, genetic factors, and complications that occur during pregnancy. The most common factors that make pregnancy risky are:
- The age of the mother: Pregnancies under the age of 18 or over the age of 35 are in the risk group.
- Having had a previous miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy.
- Gestational hypertension (preeclampsia).
- Gestational diabetes (gestational diabetes).
- The baby is at risk for chromosomal abnormalities.
- Abnormalities related to the uterus and placenta: Placenta previa, placental adhesions.
- Cervical insufficiency, risk of premature birth.
- Multiple pregnancies (twin, triplet pregnancies).
- Chronic diseases present in the mother: Cardiovascular diseases, thyroid diseases, kidney diseases.
- Excessive weight gain or excessive weight loss.
- Previous gynecological diseases or surgical procedures in the mother.
How to Monitor High-Risk Pregnancy?
How is Risky Pregnancy Monitoring Done?
Risky pregnancy monitoring requires more frequent doctor check-ups and advanced tests compared to normal pregnancy monitoring. The applications performed during this process are as follows:
1. Regular Check-ups and Screening Tests
During the risky pregnancy process, the following tests are applied at certain weeks to evaluate possible risks:
- Double screening test: It is performed to determine Down syndrome and other chromosomal disorders.
- Triple and quadruple screening tests: It is performed to evaluate genetic disease risks.
- Gestational diabetes test: It is performed to determine the risk of gestational diabetes.
- NST (Non-Stress Test): It is used to follow the baby's heartbeat and uterine contractions.
- Fetal DNA test from maternal blood: It provides information about the baby's genetic health.
- Advanced ultrasound imaging: 2D, 3D or 4D ultrasound methods are used to examine the baby's development in detail.
2. Special Treatment and Preventive Practices
- Diet and Nutrition Plan: Special nutrition programs are applied for mothers at risk of gestational diabetes or hypertension.
- Physical Activity and Exercise: Exercises suitable for risky pregnancies are recommended.
- Drug Therapy: Medical approaches such as blood thinners, insulin therapy or hormone supplements may be applied.
- Bed Rest: Bed rest may be recommended for mothers at risk of premature birth after certain weeks.
3. Birth Planning
Planning the method of birth is of great importance during risky pregnancies. Cesarean section or normal birth options are evaluated by the doctor. In order for the birth process to proceed in the safest way, it is planned in which hospital and by which team the birth will be performed.
