What is a high-risk pregnancy?

High-risk pregnancies (HRPs) are pregnancies with preexisting or current conditions that put the mother, the fetus, and the newborn baby at higher-than-normal risk for complications during or after the pregnancy and birth. Identifying high-risks pregnancies as early as possible is very important to ensure that the patient receives specialized care, prioritizing both her well-being and the health of the fetus and newborn.

The factors that lead to HRPs are:

• Age factor: people who are younger than 20 or who are older than 35.

• Lifestyle choices: alcohol,cigarettes, drugs.

• Medical conditions such as high blood pressure, obesity,diabetes, epilepsy,poorly controlled asthma, infections etc.

Hearing your pregnancy care provider say your pregnancy is high-risk can understandably cause worry or concern. Remember, you are not alone. Globally, more than 20 million women are at risk of a high-risk pregnancy. This designation doesn’t necessarily mean your pregnancy will be difficult—it often just means your care team will monitor you more closely to ensure the best outcomes.

The role of monitoring in high-risk pregnancy

The goal is to provide soon to be moms with personalized care, ensuring they feel supported, comfortable, and safe throughout their journey. It's crucial to closely monitor vital signs such as heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, and temperature, as these indicators play a key role in evaluating the health of women during pregnancy, labor, anesthesia, and the early postpartum period. Keeping these vital signs under control helps ensure the well-being of both the mother and the baby.

The future of high-risk pregnancy monitoring

High-risk pregnancies often require more frequent doctor visits than regular pregnancies, and digital health innovations prove especially valuable for at-risk patients, particularly those on bed rest, offering greater convenience and support. In the remote monitoring, patients can measure their vital signs using special devices, and the readings are sent immediately to their doctor. The doctor can view the patient’s daily readings through a secure dashboard. Regularly tracking vital signs make doctors better understand the patient’s condition and make quick, informed decisions. This helps improve outcomes and reduces the chance of complications, ensuring better care and safety for both the mother and the baby during pregnancy.

With advancements in monitoring technology and personalized care, high-risk pregnancies can be managed more effectively, ensuring a healthier pregnancy journey for both mother and baby.

Resource:

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4716207/#:~:text=Heart%20rate%2C%20blood%20pressure%2C%20respiratory,in%20the%20early%20postpartum%20period