High-Risk Pregnancy
Overview
A high-risk pregnancy is one in which certain medical conditions, pregnancy-related complications, or other factors increase the likelihood of health concerns affecting the mother, baby, or both. Being classified as high-risk does not necessarily mean complications will occur, but it does mean that additional monitoring and support may be beneficial.
Some women are identified as high-risk before pregnancy because of existing medical conditions, while others develop concerns as pregnancy progresses. Closer follow-up allows potential complications to be recognised early and managed appropriately.
The goal is to support maternal and foetal wellbeing, reduce preventable complications, and promote the safest possible outcomes throughout pregnancy and childbirth.
Symptoms
Some women with high-risk pregnancies may have no symptoms and are identified through routine screening. Others may develop signs that require medical assessment. Symptoms and concerns may include:
- High blood pressure
- Persistent headaches
- Visual disturbances
- Significant swelling of the hands, face, or feet
- Vaginal bleeding
- Severe abdominal pain
- Reduced foetal movements
- Shortness of breath
- Persistent nausea or vomiting
Some women may also experience concerns related to pre-existing medical conditions or pregnancy-specific complications.
Causes & Risk Factors
A pregnancy may be considered high-risk because of maternal health factors, pregnancy-related conditions, or foetal concerns. You may be at higher risk if you:
- Are carrying multiple babies
- Have high blood pressure or diabetes
- Have a history of pregnancy complications
- Are over 35 years of age
- Have underlying heart, kidney, or autoimmune conditions
- Develop complications during the current pregnancy
- Have concerns related to foetal growth or development
These factors help guide the level of monitoring and support required during pregnancy.
When to Seek Care
You should seek obstetric assessment if you:
- Have been advised that your pregnancy is high-risk
- Have a medical condition that may affect pregnancy
- Experience new or worsening pregnancy symptoms
- Notice reduced foetal movements
- Have concerns about your health or your baby’s wellbeing
- Miss recommended follow-up appointments
Emergency Symptoms
Seek immediate medical care if you experience:
- Heavy vaginal bleeding
- Severe abdominal pain
- Convulsions or seizures
- Severe headache with visual changes
- Sudden swelling of the face or hands
- Difficulty breathing
- Reduced or absent foetal movements
- Loss of consciousness
Prevention
Not all high-risk pregnancies can be prevented, but early engagement with maternity services can help reduce complications. You can support a healthier pregnancy by:
- Attending all scheduled antenatal appointments
- Managing existing medical conditions appropriately
- Taking prescribed medications as directed
- Following nutritional recommendations
- Avoiding smoking, alcohol, and harmful substances
- Seeking early medical advice when concerns arise
Diagnostics Used
To assess and monitor high-risk pregnancies, your care team may use:
- CBC
- RFTs for imaging
- Serum Electrolytes
- Liver Function Test -LFTs
- APTT or PTT
- Prothrombin Time (PT) and INR
- TSH
- Urine Albumin
- Foetal Monitoring
Support Services
Managing a high-risk pregnancy often involves coordinated multidisciplinary support. You may benefit from:
- Medication and treatment monitoring
- Nutritional guidance
- Counselling and emotional wellbeing support
- Maternal monitoring and follow-up care
- Pharmacy support
- Antenatal education
- Referral coordination where needed
This approach helps support informed decision-making, maternal wellbeing, and healthy pregnancy outcomes.