High blood pressure, depression, diabetes, premature labour and congenital disabilities contribute to a high-risk pregnancy leading to early delivery.

The following factors contribute to a high-risk pregnancy:

• Women at a very young age or older than thirty-five
• Underweight, overweight or obese
• A history of miscarriage
• High blood pressure, hypertension, diabetes, cancer or HIV
• Pregnancy with multiple babies/li>

Gestational diabetes can occur during pregnancy, increasing the chances of complications arising from the high-risk pregnancy. Women diagnosed with gestational diabetes during pregnancy are at a high risk of developing diabetes type 2 later during their lifetime. Children who are exposed to hyperglycaemia in the womb are more likely to become overweight or obese with increased risk of diabetes type 2. Pregnant women need to monitor and control their blood glucose levels, follow a healthy diet and exercise routine plan to reduce the risk of an adverse pregnancy.

Preeclampsia may occur in pregnant women after the 20th week of pregnancy, causing high blood pressure and kidney damage. Women with preeclampsia develop symptoms of headaches, swelling hands and face and increased amounts of protein in their urine.

The baby is protected from illnesses such as the common cold or a stomach bug, but some infections can be harmful to the baby and may result in a complicated pregnancy. An overgrowth of bacteria in the vagina leads to bacterial vaginosis and has been linked to premature birth and underweight babies. Women must undergo screening tests for bacterial vaginosis and take antibiotics to treat the infection.

Mothers infected with cytomegalovirus (CMV) can pass the disease to their babies during pregnancy. Cytomegalovirus in babies can cause loss of hearing, eyesight and lead to other disabilities. The mother needs to practise good hygiene to prevent the contraction of CMV as cytomegalovirus trial vaccines are still underway.

Ultimately, Dr Benecke has the knowledge and expertise to keep you and your baby healthy and will manage high-risk pregnancies with medication using ultrasound surveillance to monitor your cervical length.