Pregnancy Complications and High-Risk Factors - Pregnancy

<p>While society often uses 35 as a benchmark for "advanced maternal age," it’s essential to realize that this doesn’t mean an abrupt change occurs overnight impacting your fertility or pregnancy. The woman you are today is a culmination of many years and experiences—use this awareness to your advantage! The process of fertility and risk changes is gradual. Nevertheless, it’s wise to start focusing on proactive measures as you approach this age.</p>

<p>Most women over this age will indeed find joy in holding a healthy baby in their arms. Statistically, there is a gradual increase in infertility risks and potential complications, but knowledge and preparation are your allies. Studies highlight a 3% increase in infertility per year post-35, but this is no barrier to achieving your motherhood dreams.</p>

<h2>The Statistics Over the Years</h2>
<p>Over the decades, there's been a remarkable rise in first-time mothers over 35 in the United States. Thanks to advances in reproductive technology and changing societal norms, many women are choosing this route. At facilities like our New York hospital, a significant number of first-time mothers fall into this category.</p>

<p>While IVF and similar technologies have aided many, it's important to recognize the increased risk of multiple births and the associated complications such as preterm births and the necessity of cesarean sections.</p>

<h2>The IVF Consideration</h2>
<p>Even when IVF results in single births, a higher maternal age can still mean increased risks, particularly in chromosomal anomalies. While a 30-year-old woman faces a 10% chance of miscarriage, the probability reaches 55% by age 40.</p>

<h2>Potential Risks and Complications</h2>
<p>Age-related increases can lead to a higher rate of certain conditions:

<ul>
<li>Hypertension and Preeclampsia</li>
<li>Diabetes</li>
<li>Kidney, heart, and liver problems</li>
<li>Chromosomal anomalies</li>
<li>And other pregnancy complications</li>
</ul>
</p>

<h2>Preparedness and Proactive Steps</h2>
<p>If you're preparing for or experiencing pregnancy over 35, anticipate thorough monitoring from your healthcare provider or consider consulting a maternal-fetal medicine specialist skilled in advanced age pregnancies.</p>

<h2>10 Tips for a Healthier Pregnancy</h2>
<ol>
<li>Schedule a preconception check-up with your healthcare provider.</li>
<li>Undergo diabetes testing if you are predisposed.</li>
<li>Consider a mammogram if recommended.</li>
<li>Start prenatal vitamins coupled with folic acid in advance.</li>
<li>Ensure your medications are pregnancy-safe.</li>
<li>Halt smoking, alcohol use, and avoid illicit drugs.</li>
<li>Adopt a nutritious diet and commit to regular aerobic activities.</li>
<li>Aim to maintain a healthy weight before conceiving.</li>
<li>Visit your doctor promptly once pregnancy is confirmed.</li>
<li>Seek genetic counseling if you'll be 35 or older at delivery.</li>
</ol>

<p>The research is reassuring: women without underlying health issues don't necessarily face heightened risks for all pregnancy troubles. However, awareness of potential concerns allows you to spot and manage complications efficiently, ensuring you are empowered every step of the way.</p>

<p>Entering parenthood later in life can be an adventure filled with diverse joys and opportunities. You likely have the wisdom, stability, and resources to embrace this exciting chapter fully. Balancing career and family and managing the demands of a newborn are challenges that come with great rewards.</p>
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35 is often used as a cutoff point, especially if it’s the first pregnancy.

A Woman's Age and High Risk Pregnancy

<p>
Testing is generally a good idea for what doctors define as recurrent miscarriages.</p><p> For women between 25 and 35, a recurrent miscarriage is defined as three or more miscarriages in a row and for those younger than 25 or older than 35, two or more miscarriages in a row. 

</p><p>Meanwhile, while you're trying to conceive, there are some things you can do to improve your chances of having a healthy baby: Lead a healthy lifestyle, eat a well-balanced diet, don't smoke, don't take drugs, and drink less than three cups of coffee per day.</p>

Testing is generally a good idea for what doctors define as recurrent miscarriages.

When Should I Get Tested After Several Miscarriages

<h2>How can I lessen my risk for placenta previa?</h2>
<p>Placenta previa occurs when the placenta implants at or close to the cervix. In some cases, it can completely cover the cervix. Placenta previa occurs in 1 in 200 pregnancies. While the exact causes of this condition are not known there are certain lifestyle and medical factors that may put you at a higher risk for developing placenta previa.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Cigarette smoking</h2>
<p><span>Smoking during pregnancy causes many health issues in the developing fetus. In addition to placenta previa and placental abruption, smoking can also cause low birth weight and premature rupture of the membranes which can result in&nbsp;</span><a title="miscarriage" href="/miscarriage-signs-and-symptoms-cause-and-treatment">miscarriage</a><span>&nbsp;and&nbsp;</span><a title="premature birth" href="/prematurity/premature-preterm-labor-and-birth-and-effects-baby">premature birth</a><span>.&nbsp;</span></p>
<h2>Cocaine use</h2>
<p>Like other illegal substances, using cocaine during pregnancy can harm your unborn baby in several ways. It can increase infertility,&nbsp;stimulate uterine contractions and increase the risk of prematurity, increase the risk of having a small baby (IUGR=intrauterine growth restriction) and a low birth weight baby, and cause miscarriage,&nbsp;placental abruption,&nbsp;stillbirth. It can also increase the risk of fetal malformations, and lead to fetal withdrawal symptoms, such as seizures, depression, lethargy, feeding problems, hyperactive reflexes, vomiting, diarrhea, high-pitched cry, and restlessness, as well as increase the risk of the baby having developmental problems</p>
<h2>Age: Under 20 or over 35</h2>
<p>Being outside the age brackets for an ideal pregnancy can up the risk so very young women under 20 and those over the age of 35 have a higher risk for developing placenta previa.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Prior pregnancies and/or multiple pregnancies</h2>
<p>Having twins or triplets or any type of multiple pregnancy in the past is a risk factor.</p>
<h2>Prior uterine surgery</h2>
<p>Any kids of uterine surgery may increase your risk for placenta previa, such as a prior C-section, D&amp;C (dilation and curettage), fibroid removal, or other types of surgery.</p>
<h2>Prior diagnosed case</h2>
<p>If you already have had placenta previa in a prior pregnancy, this raises your risk of another placenta previa by 2-3 percent. It is important to inform your doctor or midwife to any previous pregnancy complication so that you can both come up with a plan.</p>


A placenta previa is a placenta that covers the cervix. There are several risk factors that increase the chance of a placenta previa.

What Are the Risk Factors for Placenta Previa?

<p>A recurrent miscarriage is defined as the loss of 3 (or 2) previous pregnancies and i's unclear whether treatment will improve pregnancy outcome in women with unexplained miscarriages.</p><p>About 1% of all women who are trying to conceive have 3 or previous miscarriages, and 5% have 2 previous miscarriages.</p><p>It has been suggested that certain treatments such as heparin and aspirin or both may help improve pregnancy outcome.</p><p>This study published in April 2010 in the New England Journal of Medicine by Kaandorp and co-authors from the Netherlands tried to look whether pregnancy outcomes were improved in women with these treatments:</p><ol><li>Aspirin only</li><li>Aspirin plus nadroparin (similar to heparin)</li><li>Placebo (no active medications)</li></ol><p>The authors enrolled a total of 364 women who were randomly assigned to either of these 3 groups.</p><p>The authors concluded that neither aspirin alone or aspirine plus nadroparin had improved outcomes as compared to no active treatment.</p><p>They concluded that their findings do not support the hyopthesis that either combination therapy of aspirin with or without nadroparin as compared to no treatment improved the chance of a live birth in women with unexplained recurrent miscarriage.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

A recurrent miscarriage is defined as the loss of 3 (or 2) previous pregnancies and i's unclear whether treatment will improve pregnancy outcome in women with unexplained miscarriages.

Aspirin Or Other Treatments For Recurrent Miscarriage

<p>After a baby is born via a C-section, mom will have a wound that must heal. Most often that wound is a horizontal ("bikini cut") incision, and sometimes it is vertical ("up and down").</p>
<p>Certain pain and itching in the incision are common during this healing process. While you may not wish for a Cesarean section (C-section), sometimes <a href="/high-risk-pregnancy-conditions-guide" target="_self">health issues or risks</a> to you and your baby make it necessary.</p>
<h2><strong>Causes of incision pain postpartum</strong></h2>
<p>A <a href="/cesarean-section-and-delivery" target="_self">C-section</a> creates a physical cut in the abdomen and through the uterus so that the doctor is able to reach the baby. That cut is then sewn shut with sutures. As is the case with any wound, healing can be painful and itchy. Even with pain medications, tenderness from the surgery is common.</p>
<h2><strong>Important facts about incision pain postpartum</strong></h2>
<p>While some incision pain is common, moving, stretching and lifting too soon after a C-section can cause torn sutures and a possible reopening of the wound. It is important to call a physician immediately if there is any sign of a C-section wound opening or drainage from the wound, even after leaving the hospital.</p>
<p>A red incision, bleeding, discolored discharge, or foul odors as well as a fever and an elevated temperate above 100.4 F are all reasons to seek immediate medical attention. There is always a risk of infection associated with surgery and C-sections are no different. Antibiotics can be used to treat an infection if caught early. Late-stage infections can lead to additional health problems and hospitalization.</p>
<h2><strong>Treatments for incision pain postpartum</strong></h2>


After a baby is born via a C-section, mom will have a wound that must heal. While you may not wish for a Cesarean section (C-section), sometimes health issues or risks to you and your baby make it necessary.

Cesarean Section: Postpartum Incision Care

<html><head></head><body><p>Oligohydramnios is a condition where you experience decreased amniotic fluid during pregnancy. Understanding this condition means you can take empowering steps towards managing it effectively. Several methods are at your disposal to evaluate amniotic fluid levels, a crucial part of keeping your pregnancy healthy.</p>

<p>Amniotic fluid, primarily composed of your baby's urine, gradually increases until you reach 36 weeks of pregnancy, after which a natural decrease occurs. This fluid plays a protective role, safeguarding your baby from injury and aiding their growth and movement. Monitoring its levels becomes integral to prenatal care.</p>

<p>Healthcare professionals typically measure amniotic fluid through an ultrasound. They look at the largest pocket of fluid or calculate the Amniotic Fluid Index (AFI) by adding the measurements from four distinct quadrants. Let's focus on the numbers - an AFI less than 5 cm towards the latter part of pregnancy is considered low, while anything above 25 cm indicates excess.</p> 

<p>Accuracy matters, and recent findings show that measuring a single fluid pocket of at least 2 cm is more reliable than using the AFI. This metric considers the possibility of false positives where outcomes could initially appear concerning.</p>

<p>If you're facing decreased amniotic fluid or oligohydramnios, it could be due to several reasons. These include:</p>

<ul> 
    <li>Rupture of the fetal membranes, which you may know as your water breaking prematurely.</li>
    <li>Placental insufficiency, often linked to high blood pressure or post-term pregnancies, can impede the placenta's ability to supply your baby with essential nutrients and oxygen.</li> 
    <li>Blockages or malformations affecting your baby’s urinary tract, such as renal agenesis (where kidneys don't develop), polycystic kidneys, or other urinary obstructions, can impact their urine output reducing amniotic fluid.</li> 
</ul>

<p>Understanding these potential causes equips you and your healthcare provider to tailor your prenatal care effectively. Stay informed and proactive – your journey through pregnancy can be one of strength, resilience, and growth. Engage with your healthcare team, attend regular check-ups, and monitor your and your baby's wellbeing to ensure the nurturing environment your little one needs.</p>
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Oligohydramnios means decreased amniotic fluid.  There are several methods to evaluate the amniotic fluid in pregnancy.

Oligohydramnios - Decreased Amniotic Fluid

<p>Studies have shown that women can have a healthy pregnancy following gastric bypass surgery, though many obstetricians believe that gastric bypass surgery increases the nutritional and metabolic risk of subsequent pregnancy. After gastric bypass surgery there is rapid weight loss lasting for 12-18 months. This weight loss is usually followed by a more stable weight. Many doctors feel that women can get pregnant once a stable weight has been achieved, usually 12-18 months post-operatively. There are some observations and suggestions for women who get pregnant after bypass surgery:</p> <ul> <li>Glucose Tolerance Testing should be interpreted with caution, and the results are difficult to interprete.</li> <li>Average maternal weight gain during pregnancy is often less. </li> <li>Newborn-baby weights can be lower but in a healthy weight range.&nbsp;</li> <li>A healthy balanced diet and the use of vitamin, iron, and other mineral supplements is important. </li> <li>Nutritional deficiencies can be avoided with good medical and prenatal care. </li></ul>

Studies have shown that women can have a healthy pregnancy following gastric bypass surgery, though many obstetricians believe that gastric bypass surgery increases the nutritional and metabolic risk of subsequent pregnancy.

Gastric Bypass Surgery And Pregnancy Precautions

<p><img class="img-right" style="float: left; margin: 0pt 9px 3px 0pt;" src="/sites/default/files/weight%20gain.jpg" alt="" width="193" height="137">Pregnancy weight gain is a healthy part of fetal gestation. As the placenta forms, fluid is retained, blood volume increases, and the baby grows. With all of these changes, weight gain is expected. Typical weight gain for a pregnant woman of normal weight is 25 to 35 pounds. Women who are overweight can expect to gain less – 11 to 20 pounds. On the opposite end of the spectrum, women who are underweight should gain between 28 and 40 pounds.</p>
<p>Weight gain should be gradual, as the body needs time to stretch and grow with fetal development. Gaining weight too fast can increase the risk of stretch marks even if the pregnant woman is not genetically predisposed to stretch marks.</p>
<p>Women pregnant with multiples can expect weight gain of 15 pounds more per baby. That means being pregnant with twins can account for 50 pounds of weight gain. Triplets can account for 65 pounds or more.</p>
<p>If a pregnant woman is eating healthy and not overindulging on high calorie foods, weight gain should be gradual. If a sudden increase in weight gain is noted in the final month or so of pregnancy, <a href="/search/node/preeclampsia">preeclampsia</a> or gestational <a href="/">diabetes</a> could be the cause. Tests can be run to test for gestational diabetes, but there is no test for preeclampsia so any fast weight gain needs to be reported to the treating obstetrician immediately.</p>

Pregnancy weight gain is a healthy part of fetal gestation. As the placenta forms, fluid is retained, blood volume increases, and the baby grows. With all of these changes, weight gain is expected.