Planning For a Dragon Baby? High-Risk Pregnancy Warning Signs To Know

The much-awaited Year of the Dragon in 2024 is expected to herald numerous plans for conception and childbirth, with hopes of welcoming a Dragon-born baby. Historical data from past Dragon Years reveal significant baby booms in regions densely populated by the Chinese. Dr. Joyce Lee Chai Yuit, a Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Subang Jaya Medical Centre, notes that although lacks specific statistics, her experience suggests that Dragon Years tend to be the busiest for obstetricians, witnessing a noticeable surge in birth rates.

Dr. Joyce Lee a Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Subang Jaya Medical Centre, stresses that high-risk pregnancies often necessitate more frequent check-ups and additional specialised tests.

While pregnancy is a delightful journey, especially in the anticipation of a Dragon Baby, it comes with its share of concerns for high-risk pregnancies. Expectant mothers in this category face elevated risks for both themselves and their babies before, during, and after childbirth.

Dr. Lee stresses, "High-risk pregnancies require vigilant monitoring and specialised care throughout. Various conditions may categorise a pregnancy as high-risk, but advanced maternal age poses the most common and potentially perilous risk for both mother and baby." She urges early family planning, advising against delaying pregnancy beyond 35 years and suggesting an ideal age for the first pregnancy before 30.

Dr. Lee emphasises consulting obstetricians promptly if pregnant women, particularly those deemed high-risk, encounter specific warning signals during their pregnancy. However, these highlighted signs are prevalent; an array of discomforts might affect both the mother and fetus. Regular check-ups with obstetricians are vital for a safe pregnancy and the joyous arrival of the new bundle of life.

Warning Sign 1: Bleeding
Dr. Lee explains that across the trimesters (first, second, and third), bleeding might occur due to various reasons. "In the initial three months of pregnancy, occasional slight spotting may occur, usually not a cause for excessive concern. However, if substantial bleeding, like soaking multiple pads or accompanied by spasms, arises, seeking immediate medical consultation is crucial. Determining the severity of bleeding can be challenging for most individuals, hence consulting a doctor upon any bleeding is advisable."
Warning Sign 2: Abdominal Pain
Noteworthy is abdominal discomfort, which might entail mild bloating or pain due to the uterus expanding and pulling surrounding ligaments or minor twinges from changes in organ position—typically not worrisome for expectant mothers. However, if abdominal pain persists, intensifies, or accompanies other symptoms like persistent high fever or vaginal bleeding, extra caution is warranted.
Warning Sign 3: Spike in Blood Pressure or Blood Sugar
During pregnancy, sudden spikes in blood pressure or blood sugar are common. Some previously healthy individuals may develop gestational diabetes or hypertension post-pregnancy. Dr. Lee underscores that such occurrences impact the mother's health and fetus's development negatively. Thus, prompt management and treatment tailored to individual cases are crucial. Expectant mothers should vigilantly monitor their blood sugar and blood pressure, seeking timely medical attention without neglecting these concerns.

What Qualifies as a High-Risk Pregnancy?

High-risk pregnancies encompass a broad spectrum without a singular definition. Generally, they imply an increased likelihood of pregnant women and their babies experiencing illnesses or complications before or after childbirth. Certain factors (termed risk factors) heighten pregnancy-related risks, surfacing during pregnancy, childbirth, or postpartum. Dr. Lee underscores the need for close monitoring for expectant mothers categorised as high risk, stressing the significance of regular visits to obstetric specialists. When selecting a delivery hospital, she recommends considering comprehensive medical facilities, adequate blood banks, and neonatal intensive care units in larger hospitals to ensure timely and appropriate medical care, potentially saving both the mother and baby's lives.

Common Risk Factors Leading to High-Risk Pregnancies:

Maternal Age (Advanced Maternal Age): Women aged above 35 face higher pregnancy risks.
Maternal Health Conditions: Conditions like hypertension, obesity, diabetes, epilepsy, thyroid disorders, cardiac or blood disorders, poorly controlled asthma, and infections heighten pregnancy risks.
Multiple Pregnancies: Carrying twins or multiples increases pregnancy-related risks.
Pregnancy History: Previous preterm births raise the risk of subsequent preterm deliveries.
Lifestyle Choices: Smoking, alcohol consumption, and using illicit drugs heighten pregnancy risks.

Do High-Risk Pregnancies Require Specific Tests?

Apart from routine checks like weight, blood pressure, urine analysis, uterine size measurement, and blood tests, obstetricians often recommend tailored tests for individual cases. These may include but aren't limited to:

Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT): This test can be conducted as early as the 10th week of pregnancy, involving collecting maternal peripheral blood from the pregnant woman to extract cell-free DNA. It gauges the risk of fetal chromosomal abnormalities, like Down syndrome and other genetic disorders, using advanced sequencing technology and biological information analysis.
Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS): This procedure diagnoses fetal chromosomal abnormalities and certain hereditary metabolic diseases reflected in the amniotic fluid. It involves inserting a needle through the pregnant woman's abdominal wall into the uterine cavity to extract a small amount of placental tissue (chorionic villi) for examination.

Dr. Lee stresses that high-risk pregnancies often necessitate more frequent check-ups and additional specialised tests, with specific intervals and plans customised based on individual cases.

Promoting a Healthy Pregnancy through Actions:

Whether aware of the possibility of a high-risk pregnancy due to age or other reasons, or simply aiming to prevent it, certain key steps are crucial to prevent complications:

Arrange a Pre-Pregnancy Consultation/Screening: Consulting a doctor in advance for pre-pregnancy counseling and relevant examinations is advisable. Follow the doctor's advice on examinations, screenings, and other obstetric care recommendations. Consider starting a daily prenatal vitamin with folic acid and maintaining a healthy weight before pregnancy. Adjustments in treatment plans for other medical conditions may be necessary. Additionally, discussions on the risks of hereditary diseases are important.
Regular Prenatal Check-ups: These assist doctors in monitoring the health of both the pregnant woman and the fetus. Referrals to specialists in maternal-fetal medicine, genetics, pediatrics, or other fields might be necessary.
Avoid Hazardous Substances: Planning for conception means avoiding substances that could affect pregnancy, such as quitting smoking, abstaining from alcohol and illicit drugs. Discuss any medications or supplements being taken with the doctor.
Diversified and Balanced Healthy Diet: Maintaining a healthy diet during pregnancy is crucial. Include various fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and proteins while avoiding risky foods like raw or undercooked meats.

Source
China Press