Pregnancy is a condition when a woman carries a fetus in her womb. Pregnancy occurs when a man's sperm fertilizes a woman's egg which then develops into an embryo and then grows into a fetus in the womb.
A normal pregnancy generally lasts around 40 weeks or 9 months, without any serious complications, the fetus is developing well, and the mother-to-be is in good health.
What are the contributing factors to high-risk pregnancies?
During pregnancy, both the mother and the fetus are vulnerable to illness and complications. There are several factors that can increase the risk of illness in pregnant women, as follows:
- Age at Risk
Pregnant women aged under 20 and over 35 are at risk of giving birth to premature babies, at risk of preeclampsia, and even at risk of maternal and infant death. - Have a History of Disease
Diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity, thyroid disease, and having heart or kidney problems, can potentially cause a risky pregnancy. - Having Problems with Pregnancy History
The potential for a high-risk pregnancy will increase if you have previously experienced repeated miscarriages, given birth to a premature baby, and have a history of preeclampsia or gestational diabetes during a previous pregnancy. - Special Pregnancy
Women who have multiple pregnancies, ectopic pregnancies, and placenta previa are at risk of experiencing premature labor and bleeding. - Unhealthy Lifestyle
Pregnant women who are active or passive smokers, consume alcohol or drugs, and have an unhealthy diet can cause fetal growth disorders and birth defects.
Signs of Normal or Risky Pregnancy
Normal pregnancy is characterized by late menstruation, morning sickness, and weight gain in the first trimester. Then in the second and third trimesters, pregnant women will feel fetal movement and an increasingly enlarged stomach.
Women with normal pregnancies have normal blood pressure without pain and excessive bleeding. Although they may experience abdominal cramps, this is normal because the muscles stretch as the fetus grows.
On the other hand, a high-risk pregnancy is characterized by the following things:
- Serious bleeding.
- Contractions before 37 weeks.
- Fetal movements are not felt.
- Pain when urinating
- High fever.
- Dizziness and difficulty seeing.
- Premature rupture of membranes.
- High blood pressure and symptoms of preeclampsia.
- Constant nausea and vomiting.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Swelling in one leg.
- Severe fatigue.
Risky Pregnancy Complications
It is important for pregnant women to prevent the occurrence of risky pregnancy symptoms so that the health of the mother and fetus is not threatened. If symptoms are allowed to continue to worsen, complications cannot be avoided. Complications that need to be considered are:
- Preeclampsia
Serious conditions that can lead to premature labor. Pregnant women who are 35 years of age or older and have diabetes, hypertension, and kidney disease are at risk for this complication. - Gestational Diabetes
This condition occurs when a pregnant woman did not previously suffer from diabetes, but develops the condition during pregnancy. If not treated properly, this condition can trigger preeclampsia. - Problematic Placenta
This condition greatly affects the health of the mother and fetus. Because placenta previa can cause severe bleeding, while placental abruption disrupts the oxygen supply to the fetus. - Miscarriage
Pregnant women over 35 years old with unhealthy lifestyles are at risk of miscarriage. Plan your pregnancy well and adopt a healthy lifestyle so that your health and that of your fetus can be guaranteed. - Fetal Development Restriction (PJT)
There are many factors that cause PJT, one of which is a history of illness coupled with an unhealthy lifestyle. Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption so that the fetus can grow healthily.
How to Prevent Risky Pregnancy
Risky pregnancies can be prevented by implementing a healthy lifestyle for pregnant women so that the health of the mother and fetus is maintained. Moms, you can pay close attention to the following ways to prevent risky pregnancies:
- Check your pregnancy with your doctor regularly.
- Implement a healthy and nutritious diet.
- Consume folic acid.
- Avoid stress and get enough rest.
- Regular exercise as recommended by your doctor.
- Avoid smoking, alcohol and excessive caffeine consumption.
- Check blood sugar and blood pressure regularly.
- Monitor fetal movement.
Check Your Pregnancy Regularly with a Doctor
The key to a healthy pregnancy is to regularly check the health of the mother and fetus to the doctor. In addition, you also need to know the causes and symptoms of a risky pregnancy, so you can prevent the condition.
If you experience signs of a high-risk pregnancy, consult your doctor or midwife so that you can receive proper treatment. The health and safety of the mother and fetus are the doctor's priority.
Risky pregnancies can be prevented with the help of those around you. Ask for support from your environment physically and emotionally, so that you get enough attention and help in implementing a healthy lifestyle.
Article written by dr. Probo Mangastomo, SpOG, FICS, Int. Aff. RANZCOG (Obstetrics and Gynecology Specialist, EMC Pekayon Hospital).