High-Risk Pregnancy Care & Monitoring

Pregnancy is a transformative experience, but it doesn’t always follow a standard course. Some pregnancies are classified as high-risk due to various medical, genetic, or situational factors that may impact the health of the mother, the baby, or both. Dr. Parul Sharma, a leading Obstetrician & Gynaecologist in New Delhi, offers advanced expertise and compassionate care in managing high-risk pregnancies to ensure the safest possible outcome for both mother and child.

What Is a High-Risk Pregnancy?

A high-risk pregnancy is one where potential complications could affect the mother, the baby, or both during the course of pregnancy, labour, or delivery. These risks can arise due to pre-existing health conditions, complications that develop during pregnancy, or specific lifestyle or demographic factors.

Common reasons for high-risk classification include:

• Maternal age under 17 or over 35
• High blood pressure or gestational hypertension
• Pre-existing diabetes or gestational diabetes
• Thyroid disorders
• Autoimmune diseases (e.g., lupus)
• Multiple pregnancies (twins, triplets, etc.)
• Previous pregnancy losses or preterm births
• Placenta previa or placental abruption
• Preeclampsia or eclampsia
• Infections during pregnancy
• Obesity or underweight conditions
• Lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol use, or drug dependency

Comprehensive Monitoring and Care for Every Stage

When it comes to high-risk pregnancies, early detection, continuous monitoring, and a personalised care plan are critical. Dr. Parul Sharma provides a full spectrum of diagnostic and monitoring services designed to identify risks early and manage them proactively.

1. Initial Risk Assessment and Consultation

Every patient begins with an in-depth evaluation, including a review of personal and family medical history, past pregnancies, and lifestyle factors. This helps determine the level of risk and shapes the baseline for ongoing care.

2. Advanced Diagnostic Testing

Timely and precise testing is crucial in high-risk cases. Services include:

• Detailed anomaly scans
• Nuchal translucency scan
• Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT)
• Targeted Level II ultrasounds
• Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS) and amniocentesis (as needed)
• Biophysical profile assessments
• Fetal echocardiography

3. Maternal Health Management

Managing the mother’s health is central to successful outcomes in high-risk pregnancies. Dr. Sharma closely monitors:

• Blood pressure and glucose levels
• Kidney and liver function
• Weight gain and nutritional status
• Signs of infection or preeclampsia
• Cervical changes or risk of preterm labour

Conditions such as gestational diabetes and hypertension are managed with a combination of medication, lifestyle guidance, and regular check-ups.

4. Fetal Growth and Well-being Monitoring

High-risk pregnancies often require more frequent ultrasounds to assess fetal growth, position, and movement. Fetal heart rate monitoring, Doppler studies, and growth scans are conducted routinely to ensure the baby’s development remains on track.

5. Nutritional and Lifestyle Guidance

Proper nutrition becomes even more vital in high-risk cases. Patients receive tailored diet plans and lifestyle advice to support maternal health and fetal growth. This includes guidance on supplements like folic acid, iron, calcium, and any additional nutrients needed based on individual conditions.

6. Mental and Emotional Support

Pregnancy complications can take a toll on mental well-being. Dr. Sharma emphasises holistic care that includes emotional support and stress management strategies.

Individualised Care Plans

No two pregnancies are the same—especially not high-risk ones. Dr. Parul Sharma develops customised care plans based on the nature of each patient’s condition. Some pregnancies may require hospitalisation or bed rest, while others may benefit from home monitoring or more frequent outpatient visits. Whether the goal is preventing preterm labour, managing gestational diabetes, or preparing for a safe delivery with placenta previa, every aspect is mapped out clearly.

Planning for Labour and Delivery

For high-risk pregnancies, birth planning is more structured and carefully monitored. A detailed labour and delivery strategy is designed considering:

• Timing of delivery (especially in cases of preeclampsia or IUGR)
• Mode of delivery—vaginal or cesarean section
• Location of delivery with access to advanced maternal-fetal medicine support
• Pain management and anaesthesia options
• Postpartum monitoring for both mother and baby

Expectant mothers are counselled thoroughly about what to expect during delivery and recovery to reduce anxiety and prepare for a safe childbirth experience.

Postpartum Follow-up and Care

Care doesn’t stop at childbirth. High-risk patients often need more vigilant postpartum monitoring to manage:

• Blood pressure and blood sugar stabilisation
• Healing after C-section or assisted delivery
• Lactation challenges
• Postnatal depression or anxiety
• Long-term management of chronic conditions

A structured follow-up schedule is maintained to ensure recovery and identify any emerging health issues early.

When to Seek High-Risk Pregnancy Care?

If you’re experiencing any of the following, it’s important to consult a specialist with expertise in high-risk pregnancy care:

• You’ve had multiple miscarriages or preterm births
• You’re over 35 or under 17
• You’ve been diagnosed with a health condition like diabetes or hypertension
• You're expecting twins or more
• Your previous pregnancy involved complications

Early intervention can make a significant difference in the safety of your pregnancy and delivery. Dr. Parul Sharma’s expertise lies in guiding patients through these complexities with confidence, compassion, and clinical excellence.

High-risk doesn't mean hopeless. With vigilant care, accurate diagnostics, and a supportive medical team, most high-risk pregnancies result in healthy deliveries. Dr. Parul Sharma is committed to providing comprehensive care that supports every step of your journey—because both you and your baby deserve the best.