How to deal with a pregnancy risk

Despite the fact that a pregnancy is remembered as a very special stage in the lives of all pregnant women, it is also true that this stage is the cause of much concern and caution, because even the greatest of care can never fully guarantee the health of mother and baby. In some cases, much more comprehensive care has to be taken both by the mother and the gynaecologist. These are referred to as pregnancy risks.

What is a pregnancy risk?

Throughout a pregnancy, although there may be a suffering from and an exposure to some complications, this does not necessarily represent a pregnancy risk. To be considered as such, the health of mother and baby must be at risk.

There are different categories within pregnancy risks, depending on the level of this risk and the reason why the pregnancy is classified as such.

• Medium pregnancy risk: These groups may include teenagers under the age of 18 and women over the age of 35 as well as any women who smoke or are obese. This group is affected by the risk of gestational diabetes or giving birth prematurely. Moreover, there is a greater chance that the babies of some of these women will develop particular genetic disorders; these can be detected via an amniocentesis or a non-invasive prenatal test.
• High pregnancy risk: This occurs in twin pregnancies, women with anaemia, chronic hypertension, diabetes or any woman who has undergone a uterus operation. The risks to which pregnant women of this group are exposed are abnormalities in the foetus, mild pre-eclampsia or infections, to name but a few.
• Very high pregnancy risk: This risk is mainly associated with multiple births. The risks are varied and include defects of the new-born infant, severe pre-eclampsia, premature birth or cervical incompetence.

How to detect a pregnancy risk?

A pregnancy risk can be detected at the first gynaecological examination, at which the specialist carries out the relevant tests, such as blood tests, analyses of glucose levels, urine tests or ultrasounds. The aim is to determine the condition of the mother and baby in order to verify whether there is a pregnancy risk.

However, a pregnancy risk is sometimes classified as such when problems appear throughout the pregnancy such as gestational diabetes or severe haemorrhaging.

What steps are taken in light of a pregnancy risk?

Once the pregnancy risk is diagnosed and its level is determined, a number of guidelines must be followed to make sure that everything runs smoothly and that a healthy baby is born. Above all else, a laid-back attitude should be adopted and all recommendations given by specialists should be followed very carefully.

• See your doctor on a frequent basis so that he/she can monitor developments and undertake any necessary tests, such as blood and urine tests, among many others. Don’t forget to tell him/her about any pain or discomfort you are feeling.
• As far as exercise is concerned, you are allowed to take part. Having said that, only practise the exercises indicated and deemed suitable by the doctor. Overstraining yourself during exercises may exacerbate the situation, and doing no exercise at all may lead to your gaining extra weight which, in the long run, may be harmful.
• Do not drink alcohol or smoke; this applies to all pregnancies. Furthermore, you should avoid  stressful situations. All of the above could be the cause of alterations and harm the pregnancy process.
• Maintain a healthy and balanced diet as recommended by your doctor so that the body of mother and baby receive all necessary nutrients.
• Make sure you get a lot of rest and sleep at least 8 hours a day. Rest is the best thing for a pregnancy risk; that’s why you should spend a lot of time in bed or on the sofa without exposing yourself to any strain whatsoever.