Hope during High risk Pregnancy!




High-risk pregnancies affect a notable number of women each year. Around 22% of all pregnant women are classified as having high-risk pregnancies. A high-risk pregnancy is defined as any pregnancy in which there is evidence of actual or potential threat of harm to the life or health of the mother and/or the baby because of a disorder or situation coincidental with or unique to pregnancy. Women who were suffering through high-risk pregnancies may require complex care involving lifestyle modifications, pharmacological and technical support and even hospitalization. As a result, these women may experience feelings of vulnerability because they have a high-risk pregnancy and thus be more exposed to stressful feelings. Research into the social and psychological aspects of high-risk pregnancies has focused on the concerns, stressors and needs of women with high-risk pregnancies during the antepartum period.     

Who is likely to have a high-risk pregnancy?

You are at risk if you:
  • Smoke.
  • Are overweight, especially 50 pounds or more.
  • Have high blood pressure.
  • Have diabetes.
  • Have seizures.
  • Use drugs.
  • Drink alcohol.
  • Have a family history of genetic defects.
  • Are expecting multiples (twins, triplets).
  • Are over age 35 or younger than 18.
  • Have previous health issues including cancer, organ transplant, sexually transmitted infections or weight loss surgery.
  • Have had any complications in previous pregnancies such as pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes or preterm labor and/or delivery.


One study evaluating the experience of high-risk pregnancy described the emotional responses to high-risk pregnancy events as reported by the parents involved, as follows: vulnerability of pregnancy, the realization that the pregnancy outcome was at risk; heightened anxiety, since normal activities were restricted because of medical symptoms; and the inevitability of premature delivery, with realization that preterm labor and delivery were imminent. Women who had had a high-risk pregnancy demonstrated a significantly higher level of stress and related negative emotions as they dealt with the stress and worse emotions than women with normal pregnancies. Additionally, a higher intensity of depression symptoms during pregnancy was observed in a group of high-risk pregnant women. Regarding reproductive health status, another study found that stress and anxiety are associated with increased risk of preterm birth and low birth weight.

Poor fetal outcome (assessed by the presence of at least 1 neonatal problem) was associated with fewer antenatal visits among women residing in Beirut. With regard to maternal and neonatal outcomes, their data suggest that additional antenatal visits might have a protective effect. These visits allowed earlier and better detection of possible obstetric (maternal) and psychosocial problems, and consequently better management, resulting in fewer cases of depression or preterm delivery, better neonatal outcomes, and more caesarean sections. However, these findings can also be found in studies of women with low risk pregnancies.

Having a baby is one of life’s most exciting experiences, but there are many things to learn when planning for childbirth. Better prenatal care and medical treatment during pregnancy can help prevent complications. Regardless how healthy you are, pregnancy can be unpredictable. Plan for the unforeseen now to help ensure your transition from pregnancy to motherhood is a smooth one.



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