A high-risk pregnancy is one that has a better chance of complications, both from the point of view of the mother and the baby and hence, the previous control during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum, must be more comprehensive, avoiding any possible risk.
Only 10% of pregnancies are considered high risk, although no unanimous agreement on what should be considered as such, since the causes of high risk pregnancy are highly variable and can occur before, during or after gestation. The term refers to medical, social, gynecological or obstetric circumstances could jeopardize the health of the mother, baby or both, with a higher than in the general population during pregnancy probability, childbirth or postpartum.
How a high-risk pregnancy is detected
The signs that a pregnancy involves a greater risk to the health of the mother or the baby can be detected in two ways:
Ideally, in the preconception consultation (prior to seeking pregnancy), or in the first visit as pregnant women. The gynaecologist must know the full medical history of women, and will have medical tests and questions to find out if it is a high risk pregnancy.
Among the usual tests are: blood tests, urinalysis, urine culture or other biological samples, genetic studies, imaging tests (ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging) or others, such as laparoscopy.
Throughout pregnancy follow-up medical problems identifying it as a high risk pregnancy may occur.