A high-risk pregnancy is a pregnancy in which there are more complications for the expectant mother, the developing fetus, or both. Pregnancy can be high risk if you have certain health issues and are over 35 or under 17 when you become pregnant.
The most common causes of high-risk pregnancies are multiple pregnancies, advanced maternal age, history of previous miscarriage or stillbirth or genetic disorders, gestational diabetes, uncontrolled hypertension, heart diseases, autoimmune disorders etc. People with high-risk pregnancies require regular monitoring and additional care before, during and after they give birth. This helps to reduce the possibility of complications.
An obstetrician-gynecologist (OBGYN) with a focus on high-risk pregnancies is called a perinatologist. Perinatologists are also referred to as high-risk obstetrics doctors or specialists in maternal-fetal medicine (MFM). They concentrate on pregnancies in which there is a health issue for either the mother or the fetus. You may consult a perinatologist prior to or soon after getting pregnant if you have a chronic medical problem. Pregnancy can sometimes cause conditions that need to be monitored closely or tested more frequently by high-risk obstetrics doctors. If there is a congenital condition or birth abnormalities in the fetus, a high-risk obstetrics doctor may also be engaged in your prenatal care.
The following article describes in detail how to treat high-risk pregnancies when to consult a high-risk pregnancy doctor, as well as the best high-risk obstetric doctors in Mumbai.
What Do High-Risk Pregnancy Doctors or High-Risk Obstetrics Doctors In Mumbai Do?
Medical professionals specializing in prenatal and postnatal treatment for individuals with medical conditions that put them at increased risk of pregnancy, labor, or delivery difficulties are known as high-risk pregnancy doctors. They help in the treatment of both pregnancy-related and preexisting conditions. They are skilled in diagnosing and treating health issues in fetuses as well as treating pregnant patients. High-risk pregnancy doctors can do more sophisticated congenital disease testing and provide details on the effects of various pregnancy problems on the developing fetus.
The following are the responsibilities of high-risk obstetric doctors in Mumbai:
- Preconception counseling for underlying medical issues that could cause problems during pregnancy
- Regular prenatal care and high-risk pregnancy testing
- Managing pre-existing conditions or new health conditions in a pregnant woman
- Diagnosing genetic conditions or birth defects with ultrasounds or other tests
- Helping when necessary during labor and delivery
- Taking care of postpartum complications.
In situations where your pregnancy is high-risk or there is a possibility that the fetus has a complex medical condition or congenital defect, your gynecologist could recommend that you see a perinatologist (high-risk pregnancy doctor). Most gynecologists are capable of treating mild pregnancy-related issues like gestational diabetes or well-managed high blood pressure. They will send you to a high-risk pregnancy doctor if the disease gets worse or is outside the scope of your usual gynecologist's practice. Gynecologists frequently seek a second opinion by consulting with perinatologists.
The following are some conditions in which your gynecologist may refer you to a high-risk obstetric doctor before or during pregnancy:
- Uncontrolled blood pressure or preeclampsia
- Pre-existing conditions like diabetes, lupus, or heart diseases
- Risk of preterm delivery
- If you have medical conditions like kidney disease, heart disease, or seizures
- If you have a history of multiple stillbirths or miscarriages
- If you are having multiple pregnancies; twins, triplets or more
- If your prenatal screening results are abnormal
Management and Treatment Of High-Risk Pregnancy?
Management of high-risk pregnancies will depend on your particular risk factors. Possible treatment options for high-risk pregnancy include:
- Regular check-ups with gynecologists
- Consultation with a high-risk pregnancy specialist
- Close monitoring of fetal development using ultrasounds
- Lifestyle modifications
- Monitoring blood pressure
- Consulting other speciality doctors if needed
- Close observation of prescription drugs used to treat previous medical issues
Exploring The Best High-Risk Obstetrics Doctors In Mumbai
The following is a list of the best high-risk obstetrics doctors in Mumbai:
- Dr. Vandana Bansal, Director, Department of Fetal Medicine, Consultant Obstetrics & Gynecology, Surya Hospitals, Santacruz, Mumbai
- Dr. Avirupa Roy, Consultant IVF Fertility, Obstetrician & Gynecologist & Infertility Specialist, Surya Hospitals, Chembur, Mumbai
- Dr. Meenakshi Rao, Consultant Obs & Gynec, Surya Hospitals, Chembur, Mumbai
- Dr. Kirti Shankhdhar, Gynecologist, Obstetrician & Colposcopist, Surya Hospitals, Chembur, Mumbai
- Dr. Veena Zaveri, Consultant Obs & Gynec, Surya Hospitals, Chembur, Mumbai
- Dr. Aditi Trivedi, Consultant Obs & Gynec, Surya Hospitals, Chembur, Mumbai
- Dr. Debarati Acharya, Consultant Obs & Gynec, Surya Hospitals, Chembur, Mumbai
- Dr. Vinita S. Salvi, Sevenhills Hospital, Andheri East, Mumbai
- Dr. H. G. Upadhya, Dr. H G Upadhya's Clinic, Govandi, Mumbai
- Dr. Dimpy Irani, Saifee Hospital, Charni Road, Mumbai
Conclusion
A high-risk pregnancy can result from a number of causes. Among them are advanced age and specific medical issues. You could require more care before, during, and after delivery if your pregnancy is high-risk. Get comprehensive prenatal care, please. To lower the risk of pregnancy issues, keep in frequent contact with your healthcare practitioner.
For the greatest care for your reproductive health, visit Surya Hospital, one of the super-speciality gynecologic hospitals with the best gynecologists in Mumbai. Book your appointment now!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What's the difference between an obstetrician and a perinatologist (high-risk pregnancy doctor)?
A: An obstetrician with expertise in high-risk pregnancies is known as a perinatologist. In order to further specialize in difficult medical and surgical issues of pregnancy, they have undergone two or three more years of training. Additionally, they are able to identify and treat fetal illnesses including genetic abnormalities.
Q: How would you handle a pregnancy at high risk?
A: Some Advice for handling a pregnancy at high risk is to keep yourself informed, surround yourself with support, work with your healthcare providers to develop a plan, prioritize self-care, pay attention to your body, address mental health issues, and control your mindset.
Q: How many types of high-risk pregnancies are there?
A: Risks associated with pregnancy include multiple gestations, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, ectopic pregnancy, birth problems, and preterm labor from a prior pregnancy. If a woman becomes pregnant for the first time when under 17 or over 35, the likelihood of difficulties increases.
Q: Is it possible to treat a high-risk pregnancy?
A: Your doctor can diagnose and treat your high-risk pregnancy with regular prenatal care, protecting your health and the health and safety of your unborn child.