High-Risk Pregnancy
Learn about the most common high-risk conditions — definition, causes, complications, and when to seek emergency care
Hypertension
Hypertension in PregnancyDefinition
Blood pressure ≥ 140/90 mmHg during pregnancy, which may progress to preeclampsia or eclampsia — both life-threatening conditions.
Causes
- Genetic & family history
- Obesity or overweight
- First pregnancy or multiple gestation
- Diabetes or kidney disease
Complications
- Preeclampsia
- Preterm birth
- Placental insufficiency
- Eclamptic seizures
When to Seek Emergency
- Severe, persistent headache
- Blurred vision or seeing spots
- Severe upper abdominal pain
- Sudden facial swelling
Gestational Diabetes
Gestational Diabetes MellitusDefinition
High blood sugar that develops during pregnancy in women without prior diabetes, typically diagnosed between weeks 24–28.
Causes
- Pregnancy hormones interfering with insulin
- Overweight or obesity
- Family history of diabetes
- Previous gestational diabetes
Complications
- Large baby (macrosomia)
- Difficult delivery
- Neonatal hypoglycemia
- Future Type 2 diabetes risk
When to Seek Emergency
- Severe dizziness or tremors
- Sudden sweating and coldness
- Loss of consciousness or confusion
Anemia
Anemia in PregnancyDefinition
Hemoglobin below 11 g/dL during pregnancy. Iron-deficiency anemia is the most common type worldwide.
Causes
- Dietary deficiency of iron or folate
- Increased bodily demands during pregnancy
- Chronic conditions (kidney disease, infections)
Complications
- Preterm birth
- Low birth weight
- Severe maternal fatigue & weak immunity
When to Seek Emergency
- Sudden severe shortness of breath
- Very rapid heart palpitations
- Fainting or sudden severe pallor
Placenta Previa
Placenta PreviaDefinition
The placenta partially or completely covers the cervix, blocking the birth canal and causing severe bleeding.
Causes
- Previous C-sections
- Smoking or multiple pregnancy
- Advanced maternal age
- History of uterine surgeries
Complications
- Sudden severe bleeding
- Emergency preterm delivery
- Mandatory C-section
- Hemorrhagic shock
When to Seek Emergency
⚠️ Any painless vaginal bleeding in the second half of pregnancy — go to the ER immediately.
Multiple Pregnancy (Twins or More)
Multiple GestationDefinition
Two or more fetuses in the uterus simultaneously, requiring intensive medical monitoring throughout the entire pregnancy.
Causes
- Natural occurrence or family history
- Fertility treatments or ovulation induction
- IVF (In Vitro Fertilization)
Complications
- Preterm birth & low birth weight
- Hypertension & preeclampsia
- Umbilical cord entanglement
- Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome
When to Seek Emergency
- Sudden loss of movement in one fetus
- Bleeding or severe shortness of breath
- Regular early contractions
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