What Is a High-Risk Pregnancy? Causes, Warning Signs, Required Scans & Expert Care

Pregnancy is a special and emotional journey for every woman. While most pregnancies progress smoothly, some need extra care and close medical supervision. Such pregnancies are called high-risk pregnancies. With timely diagnosis, the right scans, and expert guidance, even high-risk pregnancies can have safe and positive outcomes.

This guide explains what a high-risk pregnancy is, what age is high risk pregnancy, why it happens, early warning signs, essential scans, and how specialised care from Dr. Deepti Mittal, a trusted Fetal Medicine Specialist in Pune, can help protect both mother and baby.

What Is a High-Risk Pregnancy?

A high-risk pregnancy is one where the mother, the baby, or both have a higher chance of health problems before, during, or after delivery. This does not mean something will go wrong, but it means the pregnancy needs extra monitoring, special scans, and expert medical care.

With early diagnosis and proper High-Risk Pregnancy Management in Pune, many women go on to have healthy pregnancies and safe deliveries.

What Causes a High-Risk Pregnancy?

There are many high-risk pregnancy reasons, and they can be present before pregnancy or develop during pregnancy.

Common causes include:

• High blood pressure or pre-eclampsia
• Diabetes (before pregnancy or gestational diabetes)
• Thyroid problems
• Heart disease or kidney disease
• Autoimmune conditions
• Infections during pregnancy
• Previous pregnancy complications
• Multiple pregnancy (twins or more)
• Structural or genetic issues in the baby

Lifestyle factors such as smoking, poor nutrition, or obesity can also increase risks. Many people ask, why is obesity high risk pregnancy? Excess weight increases the chances of diabetes, high BP, and delivery complications.

Who Is at Higher Risk of High-Risk Pregnancy?

A pregnancy may be considered pregnancy high risk if the mother:

• Is below 18 or above 35 years of age
• Has a history of miscarriages or preterm birth
• Has chronic medical conditions
• Conceives through IVF
• Has had previous C-sections
• Has a family history of genetic disorders

These high-risk factors in pregnancy do not mean problems are certain, but they highlight the need for specialist care.

Warning Signs and Symptoms of a High-Risk Pregnancy

Early detection of high-risk symptoms pregnancy can prevent serious complications. Contact Dr. Deepti Mittal if you notice:

• Severe headaches or blurred vision
• Persistent vomiting
• Sudden swelling of face, hands, or feet
• Vaginal bleeding or leaking fluid
• Reduced baby movements
• Severe abdominal pain
• High fever

These signs should never be ignored, especially in a risk for pregnancy situation.

How Is a High-Risk Pregnancy Diagnosed?

Diagnosis is based on:

• Detailed medical and pregnancy history
• Regular blood pressure and sugar checks
• Blood and urine investigations
• Advanced ultrasound scans
• Genetic screening when needed

An experienced Fetal Medicine Specialist in Pune, like Dr. Deepti Mittal, plays a crucial role in identifying risks early and planning personalised care.

Essential Scans Required in a High-Risk Pregnancy:

Timely scans help monitor baby growth and detect complications early. Important scans include:

• NT scan (11–13 weeks)
• Anomaly scan (18–20 weeks)
• Doppler scan to check blood flow
• Growth scans in later months
• Fetal echocardiography if heart issues are suspected

These scans are crucial parts of High-Risk Pregnancy Management in Pune.

Final Thoughts – Managing High-Risk Pregnancy with Confidence

A high-risk pregnancy needs attention, not fear. With the right information, regular scans, and expert guidance, most women experience safe and successful outcomes.

Under the care of Dr. Deepti Mittal, an experienced Fetal Medicine Doctor in Pune, patients receive evidence-based care, advanced diagnostics, and compassionate support at every stage. With proper monitoring and trust in expert care, a high-risk pregnancy can be managed with confidence and hope.