High-Risk Pregnancies: Expert Care for a Safe Journey at Mayflower Fetal Medicine & High Risk Pregnancy Centre
Pregnancy is a life-changing experience filled with excitement and joy, but for some women, it can also bring unexpected challenges. High-risk pregnancies are those where the health of the mother, fetus, or both may be at increased risk due to various factors. The good news is that with advancements in medical science and specialized care, the risks associated with high-risk pregnancies can be effectively managed to ensure the best possible outcomes for both mother and child. At Mayflower Fetal Medicine & High Risk Pregnancy Centre in Nagpur, Dr. Kunda Shahane and her team provide expert care for women facing high-risk pregnancies, offering tailored, compassionate support throughout the pregnancy journey.
What is a High-Risk Pregnancy?
A high-risk pregnancy refers to a pregnancy where either the mother or the baby has a greater chance of health complications that could affect the outcome of the pregnancy. These complications may be due to pre-existing health conditions, pregnancy-related conditions, or external factors such as age or lifestyle.
While most pregnancies progress without complications, high-risk pregnancies require extra monitoring and specialized care to prevent or manage potential problems. The aim of high-risk pregnancy care is to ensure the safety of both the mother and the baby, providing early detection of any issues that may arise and offering effective treatments and interventions when necessary.
Common Causes of High-Risk Pregnancies
There are many factors that can contribute to a high-risk pregnancy. Some women may have pre-existing health conditions that increase the risk of complications during pregnancy, while others may develop pregnancy-related conditions that require special attention. The most common causes of high-risk pregnancies include:
- Advanced Maternal Age
Women who are over the age of 35 are considered to have a higher risk of complications during pregnancy. These may include gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, chromosomal abnormalities, and complications during labor and delivery.
- Multiple Pregnancies (Twins, Triplets, etc.)
Carrying more than one baby significantly increases the risks during pregnancy. There is a higher chance of preterm labor, low birth weight, and gestational hypertension, among other complications.
- Pre-existing Health Conditions
Conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, kidney disease, and thyroid disorders can complicate a pregnancy. Women with these conditions need specialized care to manage their health and ensure the pregnancy progresses smoothly.
- Gestational Diabetes
This condition occurs when a woman develops high blood sugar levels during pregnancy. If left uncontrolled, gestational diabetes can cause complications such as large birth weight babies, premature birth, and the increased likelihood of the mother developing type 2 diabetes after childbirth.
- Pre-eclampsia
Pre-eclampsia is a pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and damage to organs such as the kidneys and liver. It can be dangerous for both the mother and baby and requires careful monitoring and management.
- Infections and Autoimmune Disorders
Certain infections, such as rubella, toxoplasmosis, or Zika virus, as well as autoimmune disorders like lupus, can increase the risks during pregnancy. These conditions can affect fetal development and may require specific treatments.
- History of Pregnancy Complications
Women who have experienced complications in previous pregnancies, such as preterm labor, miscarriage, or fetal growth restriction, are at higher risk for complications in subsequent pregnancies.
- Obesity
Obesity during pregnancy can increase the risk of gestational diabetes, hypertension, pre-eclampsia, and complications during labor and delivery. Close monitoring is essential for women with high BMI to manage potential risks.
Comprehensive Care for High-Risk Pregnancy at Mayflower Fetal Medicine & High Risk Pregnancy Centre
At Mayflower Fetal Medicine & High Risk Pregnancy Centre, Dr. Kunda Shahane and her team provide personalized care for women with high-risk pregnancies. The centre is equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic tools and cutting-edge medical technology to monitor both maternal and fetal health closely. The goal is to detect any complications early and offer timely interventions to ensure the best outcomes for both mother and baby.
Here’s how the center provides comprehensive care for high-risk pregnancies:
- Early Identification of Risks
Dr. Shahane takes a detailed medical history and conducts thorough assessments to identify any risk factors that may affect the pregnancy. Early identification of risks allows for proactive management and appropriate interventions.
- Regular Monitoring
High-risk pregnancies require more frequent check-ups to monitor the health of both the mother and the fetus. Regular ultrasounds, blood pressure monitoring, blood tests, and glucose screenings are essential to ensure everything is progressing smoothly. Dr. Shahane uses advanced diagnostic tools, such as Doppler ultrasound and fetal monitoring, to track fetal development and detect any potential complications, such as fetal growth restriction or abnormal heartbeats.
- Managing Pre-existing Conditions
For women with pre-existing health conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, or thyroid disorders, Dr. Shahane works closely with other specialists to manage these conditions during pregnancy. By controlling the underlying health issues, the risks to both the mother and the baby can be minimized.
- Targeted Interventions and Treatments
Depending on the specific risks involved, Dr. Shahane may recommend various interventions to address complications such as gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, or high blood pressure. Medications, lifestyle modifications, and dietary counseling may be prescribed to keep the pregnancy on track.
- Genetic Testing and Counselling
For women who are at risk of genetic disorders due to age, family history, or other factors, genetic testing and counseling are offered. This provides valuable insights into the likelihood of genetic conditions such as Down syndrome, cystic fibrosis, or other inherited disorders. Early testing helps inform decision-making and prepares families for potential outcomes.
- Specialized Care for Multiple Pregnancies
Women carrying twins or higher-order multiples require close monitoring to manage the increased risks of premature labor, low birth weight, and complications such as preterm rupture of membranes or pre-eclampsia. Dr. Shahane ensures that expectant mothers of multiples receive expert care tailored to their unique needs.
- Psychosocial Support
A high-risk pregnancy can be emotionally challenging for expectant mothers. Dr. Shahane and her team provide not only medical support but also emotional counseling to help women cope with the stress and anxiety associated with high-risk pregnancies. Families are encouraged to ask questions and voice their concerns, ensuring that they feel supported throughout the journey.
- Preparation for Delivery
When it comes to delivery, women with high-risk pregnancies often require a more planned and controlled approach. Dr. Shahane ensures that all possible complications are anticipated and prepares a customized delivery plan, including options for early delivery if necessary or planned C-sections for certain high-risk conditions.
The Role of Dr. Kunda Shahane in High-Risk Pregnancy Care
Dr. Kunda Shahane is a highly experienced and compassionate expert in fetal medicine and high-risk pregnancies. With her expertise and the support of a multidisciplinary team, she ensures that every patient receives personalized care that meets their specific needs. Her approach emphasizes the importance of early detection, proactive management, and emotional support, ensuring that expectant mothers feel safe, confident, and well-informed throughout their pregnancy.
A high-risk pregnancy does not mean that the journey is filled with insurmountable obstacles. With the right care and expertise, women with high-risk pregnancies can have healthy pregnancies and successful deliveries. At Mayflower Fetal Medicine & High Risk Pregnancy Centre, Dr. Kunda Shahane and her team are committed to providing comprehensive, compassionate care for high-risk pregnancies, helping women navigate the challenges of pregnancy while ensuring the safety of both mother and baby.
If you are facing a high-risk pregnancy or have concerns about your pregnancy, contact Mayflower Fetal Medicine & High Risk Pregnancy Centre today. Dr. Shahane and her team are here to offer expert care, personalized support, and a safe path forward for you and your baby.
