High-Risk Pregnancy

Gestational diabetes causes raised glucose during pregnancy. Glucose patterns and the baby's growth help guide pregnancy and delivery decisions.

Pregnancy-induced hypertension is high blood pressure arising during pregnancy; pre-eclampsia adds organ involvement. Severe headache, blurred vision or upper abdominal pain needs urgent review.

Twin and triplet pregnancies have increased risks of preterm birth and growth-related complications. Monitoring also depends on whether babies share a placenta or amniotic sac.

Placenta praevia means the placenta lies low and may cover the cervix. Other placental abnormalities affect attachment or function; any pregnancy bleeding needs prompt assessment.

Fetal growth restriction means the baby is not growing as expected. Serial growth scans and blood-flow measurements help assess placental function and other causes.

Repeated pregnancy losses may prompt review for uterine, genetic, hormonal or immune-related factors. Monitoring in a subsequent pregnancy reflects the history and any identified cause.

Pregnancy after a caesarean needs review of the uterine scar and previous delivery details. Suitability for vaginal birth or another caesarean is assessed individually.

Rh isoimmunisation occurs when maternal antibodies can damage an Rh-positive baby's red blood cells. Antibody screening identifies pregnancies that may need closer fetal surveillance.

Preterm labour begins before 37 completed weeks. Previous preterm birth, cervical changes or pregnancy complications may increase risk; contractions or fluid leakage need prompt assessment.

An overactive or underactive thyroid can affect pregnancy and fetal development. Results use pregnancy-appropriate ranges, and existing medicines may need adjustment.

Heart disease can make the extra circulatory demands of pregnancy harder to tolerate. Risk depends on the specific condition, symptoms and heart function.

Obesity in pregnancy increases risks including gestational diabetes and hypertension. Care focuses on appropriate nutrition, safe activity and monitoring, not unsupervised weight loss.

Pregnancy at age 35 or above carries increased risks of certain chromosomal conditions and pregnancy complications. Many pregnancies progress well with individualised screening and monitoring.

Oligohydramnios means too little amniotic fluid; polyhydramnios means too much. Ultrasound findings, gestational age and associated maternal or fetal conditions determine their significance.