Pregnancy is a transformative experience for every woman, but for some, it can come with unique challenges that classify it as "high risk."

High Risk pregnancies can be due to several factors, such as preexisting health conditions, complications during pregnancy, or risks to the baby.

Managing such pregnancies requires specialised care, advanced medical technology, and experienced professionals who understand the complexities involved.

Apollo Adlux Hospital, located in Kochi, Kerala, is renowned for its expertise in maternal and foetal care, offering excellent support for high risk pregnancies.

This blog by Karetrip explores how Apollo Adlux Hospital provides the necessary care and interventions to ensure the wellbeing of both mother and baby in these situations.

What is a High Risk Pregnancy?

A pregnancy is considered high risk when the mother, the baby, or both are at a higher risk of complications. Several factors can contribute to a pregnancy being classified as high risk

• Maternal Age: Women under the age of 18 or over the age of 35 are more likely to experience complications.

• Preexisting Health Conditions: Conditions like diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, autoimmune disorders, or obesity can elevate pregnancy risks.

• Multiple Pregnancies: Carrying twins, triplets, or more can increase the likelihood of premature birth and other complications.

• Previous Pregnancy Complications: A history of miscarriage, preterm birth, or preeclampsia may put the current pregnancy at higher risk.

• Lifestyle Factors: Smoking, alcohol use, and substance abuse can adversely affect both the mother and the baby.

• Foetal Development Issues: Abnormalities in foetal development, such as congenital heart defects or growth restrictions, can also categorise a pregnancy as high risk.

Apollo Adlux Hospital’s maternal foetal medicine (MFM) specialists are trained to manage these and other factors that increase the risk during pregnancy. Their comprehensive approach ensures that mothers and babies receive the best care possible throughout pregnancy and delivery.

Specialised Care for High Risk Pregnancies at Apollo Adlux Hospital

Apollo Adlux Hospital has developed a robust support system for managing high risk pregnancies.

With modern technology, a team of highly skilled specialists, and personalised care plans, the hospital ensures that both mothers and babies receive optimal care at every stages of pregnancy.

1.Multidisciplinary Team Approach

At the core of Apollo Adlux’s success in managing high risk pregnancies is its multidisciplinary team. This team includes

• MaternalFetal Medicine Specialists: These are obstetricians with additional training in high risk pregnancy care. They monitor both maternal and foetal health and coordinate necessary interventions.

• Neonatologists: These specialists are trained in the care of newborns, particularly those who are premature or have medical complications.

• Obstetric Anesthesiologists: Experienced anesthesiologists are on hand to manage pain during delivery and handle complications that may arise during c-sections.

• Endocrinologists: For women with diabetes or thyroid disorders, endocrinologists ensure that the mother’s hormones are well regulated, reducing the risk of complications.

• Cardiologists: High Risk pregnancies associated with maternal heart conditions require cardiology consultations to manage both the mother’s and baby’s cardiac health.

• Nutritionists: Proper nutrition is essential, especially in high risk pregnancies. Dietitians work with mothers to ensure they are receiving the right nutrients without exacerbating existing conditions.

This team based approach ensures that all aspects of the pregnancy are carefully monitored and managed, significantly reducing the risk of complications for both the mother and the baby.

2.Advanced Prenatal Diagnostics

Apollo Adlux Hospital offers some of the most advanced prenatal diagnostic technologies available, allowing for early detection of potential complications. These diagnostic tools include

• Ultrasound and Doppler Imaging: High Resolution ultrasounds provide detailed images of the foetus, allowing doctors to monitor foetal growth and identify any structural abnormalities early. Doppler imaging helps assess blood flow to the placenta, ensuring the baby is receiving adequate oxygen and nutrients.

• NonInvasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT): NIPT is a screening tool that analyses foetal DNA in the mother’s blood to detect chromosomal conditions such as Down syndrome, Edwards syndrome, and Patau syndrome. It’s a safe and highly accurate way to screen for genetic disorders without posing a risk to the baby.

• Amniocentesis and Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS): In high risk pregnancies where genetic issues are suspected, these invasive diagnostic tests provide a more definitive analysis of the baby’s genetic makeup. Apollo Adlux specialists perform these procedures with precision, minimising risks to the mother and baby.

• Foetal Echocardiography: For pregnancies at risk of congenital heart defects, foetal echocardiography allows doctors to evaluate the baby’s heart before birth, ensuring any necessary interventions are planned in advance.

3.Comprehensive Monitoring and Foetal Surveillance

Constant monitoring is crucial in managing high risk pregnancies. Apollo Adlux Hospital offers continuous foetal and maternal surveillance, utilising technology and medical expertise to ensure the health of both mother and baby. This includes

• Continuous Foetal Heart Monitoring: Tracking the baby’s heart rate helps doctors detect any signs of foetal distress early, allowing for prompt intervention.

• Biophysical Profile (BPP): This test combines ultrasound and heart rate monitoring to assess the baby’s overall health, including movements, muscle tone, and amniotic fluid levels.

• Maternal Monitoring: For conditions such as preeclampsia or gestational diabetes, the mother’s blood pressure, glucose levels, and kidney function are regularly monitored to prevent complications like seizures, kidney failure, or preterm labour.

4.Expertise in Managing Preterm Births

Preterm labour is a common risk in high risk pregnancies. Apollo Adlux Hospital has a Level III neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), which provides the highest level of care for premature babies.

The NICU is staffed with experienced neonatologists and nurses who specialise in the care of babies born as early as 24 weeks of gestation. The hospital’s facilities include

• Advanced Respiratory Support: Premature babies often require assistance breathing due to underdeveloped lungs. The NICU offers advanced respiratory support, including ventilators and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines.

• Nutritional Support: Premature babies may need specialised feeding techniques, such as tube feeding, to ensure they receive adequate nutrition for healthy growth.

• Developmental Care: The NICU team uses gentle, developmentally supportive care practices to encourage the baby’s growth and neurological development.

5.Comprehensive Postpartum Care

Postpartum care is crucial for women who have experienced high risk pregnancies. Apollo Adlux Hospital ensures that both mother and baby receive continuous support and monitoring after delivery. This includes:

• Postpartum Monitoring: Mothers with conditions such as preeclampsia or gestational diabetes are monitored closely for several days post delivery to prevent complications.

• Lactation Support: Lactation consultants are available to help mothers establish breastfeeding, especially when the baby is born prematurely or has special needs.

• Emotional and Psychological Support: High Risk pregnancies can take an emotional toll on the mother and her family. Apollo Adlux offers counselling services to support mental and emotional wellbeing during and after pregnancy.

Why Choose Apollo Adlux Hospital for HighRisk Pregnancy Care?

Apollo Adlux Hospital is a leader in providing comprehensive, high quality care for high risk pregnancies. Here are some of the key reasons why families choose this hospital

• Advanced Technology: With advanced diagnostic and monitoring equipment, Apollo Adlux ensures early detection and management of potential complications.

• Experienced Team: The hospital’s multidisciplinary team includes specialists with years of experience in maternal foetal medicine, ensuring that every patient receives expert care tailored to their unique needs.

• Comprehensive Care: From prenatal diagnostics to postpartum support, Apollo Adlux offers a full spectrum of care for mothers and babies.

• Patient Centred Approach: The hospital places a strong emphasis on personalised care, ensuring that each patient’s medical, emotional, and psychological needs are addressed.

The information provided represents the views and opinions of Karetrip. It is crucial to conduct your own independent research before making any decisions regarding your healthcare journey.