In this article you will learn
Are you over 35? Or have you ever had a problematic pregnancy?
Then you automatically have a high-risk pregnancy.
Sounds kind of weird, doesn't it? In the following article, we explain what it means when the “High-risk pregnancy” box is ticked in the maternity record.
What is a high-risk pregnancy?
Of course, with every pregnancy there is a certain risk that something will not go according to plan. If this risk deviates from the “norm”, i.e. the risk of complications for the baby (miscarriage, premature birth, or malformation) or for the mother is higher than usual, one speaks of a high-risk pregnancy.
There are certain criteria that make a pregnancy a high-risk pregnancy. In the run-up there are some studies in which exactly these criteria are clarified. If only one of these criteria is met, it is already a high-risk pregnancy and is entered as such in the maternity record.
The fact that one factor, such as being over 35, already counts as a high-risk pregnancy unsettles many pregnant women.
This is completely understandable, because the word “risk” sounds threatening to many expectant mothers. But usually you don't have to worry. According to Pro Familia, around 70% of all pregnancies in Germany are high-risk pregnancies.
However, this special classification primarily serves to guarantee the best possible provision.
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What are the criteria for a high-risk pregnancy?
Some of the criteria for a possible high-risk pregnancy can be found out in a detailed discussion. There you can find out a lot about the history and any previous illnesses of the expectant mother in order to identify possible risks.
The general criteria for a high-risk pregnancy are:
- General diseases such as: high blood pressure, obesity, chronic diseases, diabetes, asthma, heart disease, hepatitis, metabolic diseases, etc.
- Threatened premature birth
- Problematic course of previous pregnancies
- Multiple pregnancy
- Age of the pregnant woman (under 18 or over 35)
- Use of certain medications
- Smoking
- Alcohol
- Severe mental illnesses
- Special position of the child (breech presentation or similar)
- Malformations of the uterus
- Inflammation or infection in the genital area
< li>Hereditary diseases in the family
High-risk pregnancy just because of the age over 35?
Age actually plays an important role. Of course, having children has developed in such a way in recent years that more and more women over the age of 35 are having their first child.
Of course, this also has many advantages. So there is usually a stable financial background, the partnership is solid, you have “lived it out” and are no longer afraid of “missing out”.
But the body has changed a bit compared to the twenties. Statistically, increasing age harbors higher risks. From the age of 35 onwards, premature births and miscarriages are somewhat more common.
There is also an increased risk of chromosomal changes in the baby (trisomy 21 or similar). That's why every pregnancy over the age of 35 is a “high-risk pregnancy”.
+++ You are pregnant and would like helpful tips on how to fit, healthy and in a good moodenjoy your pregnancy? Then download our free pregnancy guide now, with the 5 best insider tips for a feel-good pregnancy! Just click on the blue button below and download!
What to do if you have a “high-risk pregnancy”?
Please don't rack your brains and don't worry too much. Based on the criteria, you have seen what is enough to get a high-risk pregnancy certified.
In Germany, the medical level is so high that a high-risk pregnancy usually runs its course without major problems.
In addition, you will receive close-meshed check-ups and check-ups to keep an optimal eye on you and your baby. If necessary, you will receive additional ultrasound examinations, amniotic fluid tests, blood tests and much more. In this way, possible dangers can be detected in good time and dealt with accordingly.