Pregnancy registration is important for expectant mothers because it helps reduce the risk to the fetus. Doctors will provide periodic advice. Each month of pregnancy involves many physiological changes that require special attention more than usual.
Pregnancy registration must be guided by knowledgeable medical personnel so that expectant mothers know what is safe, what should or should not be done, to ensure proper care. Mothers can have a quality pregnancy, resulting in healthy babies and mothers.
What is a high-risk pregnancy?
Pregnancies with various risk conditions may affect both the mother and the fetus. They can cause minor or severe complications, even death, during pregnancy, delivery, or postpartum. High-risk pregnancy can be simply categorized for mothers to understand as follows:
- Pregnant mothers aged 35 and above. At this age, there is a risk of complications such as diabetes, which affects the baby. Another risk is a higher chance of Down syndrome.
- Pregnant mothers with pre-existing conditions such as hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, or kidney disease.
These are considered risks. When doctors encounter pregnant mothers with these conditions, they will assess the specific risks. The medical team will collaborate with specialists in various fields. For example, if the mother has diabetes, the obstetrician will work with a diabetes specialist. If the mother has heart disease or high blood pressure and requires ongoing medication, the obstetrician will consult with the mother’s primary care physician or relevant specialists. The monitoring will be more frequent and detailed than for normal pregnancies. The obstetrician may schedule more frequent check-ups, special tests, blood draws, or amniocentesis, etc.
For pregnant mothers, especially first-time mothers, it is advisable to see a doctor immediately upon confirming pregnancy. Even better, if planning to conceive, consult a doctor beforehand to prepare. You can discuss risks related to certain health problems or hereditary diseases.
Additionally, the medical and nursing team can provide advice and guidance on issues such as morning sickness, weight control during pregnancy, and exercise. Doctors will perform ultrasounds to check for fetal abnormalities and determine the baby’s sex at 4-5 months of pregnancy.
How to prevent high-risk pregnancy
Preparation before pregnancy by having both mother and father undergo health check-ups is important. It allows clear pregnancy planning and management of diseases before conception. Moreover, pregnant mothers with risk conditions are crucial for the safety of both the baby and the mother. They can consult doctors on self-care methods, which may vary depending on the mother’s condition. Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor for appropriate care.
- Register pregnancy immediately upon confirmation.
- Attend regular scheduled doctor appointments to monitor for abnormalities or complications during pregnancy.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
- Avoid shocks or activities that may affect the pregnancy.
- Keep a relaxed mind.
- Get enough rest.
Abnormal symptoms that require a doctor’s visit
- Headache, blurred vision
- Severe abdominal pain, excessive vomiting, inability to eat
- Abdominal size smaller or larger than normal
- Vaginal bleeding, abnormal discharge, painful urination
- At 5-6 months of pregnancy, no fetal movement or significantly reduced movement
