High-Risk Pregnancy Specialist- Dr. Rajeshwari Pawar
Dr. Rajeshwari Pawar is a High-Risk Pregnancy Specialist. At the first visit itself, a detailed history is taken and pregnancy is categorized as high risk if indicated. A plan of management for the whole 9 months is made and explained to the patient in detail. She is an expert in handling high-risk pregnancy cases such as Pregnancy Induced Hypertension (PIH), Gestational Diabetes (GDM/diabetes in pregnancy), Fetal Growth restriction/ Intrauterine Growth restriction (FGR/IUGR).
What are the risk factors for a high-risk pregnancy?
Sometimes a high-risk pregnancy is the result of a medical condition present before pregnancy. In other cases, a medical condition that develops during pregnancy for either you or your baby causes a pregnancy to become high risk.
Specific factors that might contribute to a high-risk pregnancy include:
- Advanced maternal age. Pregnancy risks are higher for mothers older than age 35.
- Lifestyle choices. Smoking cigarettes, drinking alcohol and using illegal drugs can put a pregnancy at risk.
- Maternal health problems. High blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, epilepsy, thyroid disease, heart or blood disorders, poorly controlled asthma, and infections can increase pregnancy risks.
- Pregnancy complications. Various complications that develop during pregnancy can pose risks. Examples include an abnormal placenta position, fetal growth less than the 10th percentile for gestational age (fetal growth restriction) and rhesus (Rh) sensitization — a potentially serious condition that can occur when your blood group is Rh negative and your baby’s blood group is Rh positive.
- Multiple pregnancy. Pregnancy risks are higher for women carrying twins or higher order multiples.
- Pregnancy history. A history of pregnancy-related hypertension disorders, such as preeclampsia, increases your risk of having this diagnosis during your next pregnancy. If you gave birth prematurely in your last pregnancy or you’ve had multiple premature births, you’re at increased risk of an early delivery in your next pregnancy. Talk to your health care provider about your complete obstetric history.
What else do I need to know about high-risk pregnancy?
Talk to your health care provider about how to manage any medical conditions you experience during pregnancy and how your health might affect labor and delivery. Contact your health care provider if you have:
- Vaginal bleeding or watery vaginal discharge
- Severe headaches
- Pain or cramping in the lower abdomen
- Decreased fetal activity
- Pain or burning with urination
- Changes in vision, including blurred vision
- Sudden or severe swelling in the face, hands or fingers
- Fever or chills
- Vomiting or persistent nausea
- Dizziness
- Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
A high-risk pregnancy might have ups and downs. Do your best to stay positive as you take steps to promote a healthy pregnancy.
Is ultrasound safe for my baby?
An obstetrical ultrasound, also called a sonogram, uses high-frequency sound waves to create an image of the developing fetus. Because the sonogram uses sound waves and not x-rays, it is safe for the developing baby.
How often do I see the maternal-fetal medicine specialist?
You may only see a maternal-fetal medicine specialist for a one-time consult, or a second opinion. Or the maternal-fetal medicine specialist may continue to work closely with your primary obstetrician throughout your pregnancy to help manage your care. Some patients consult a maternal-fetal medicine specialist for pre-conception counseling before pregnancy.
Can I keep my obstetrician?
Of course! Your obstetrician can continue to provide care for you, and almost always will deliver your baby. A maternal-fetal medicine specialist works together with your primary obstetrician, and any additional specialists you may need, such as radiologists, neonatologists, and diabetes educators, to help ensure a safe and healthy pregnancy and delivery.
Should I see a maternal-fetal medicine specialist?
A maternal-fetal medicine physician specializes in high-risk pregnancy. You should consult with a maternal-fetal medicine specialist if you have a pre-existing medical condition, such as diabetes; if you have history of, or suddenly develop, a pregnancy complication, such as early labor; or if you have concerns about the health of your fetus. Talk with your primary care physician to find out if you should be seen for consult before you get pregnant. Your obstetrician can refer you to MFM if you are already pregnant
Dr. Rajeshwari Pawar
Services including pregnancy care, fetal care, pregnancy sonography and laboratory investigations