Are you worried that your pregnancy might further jeopardize you and your health problems? Do you wonder if it’s riskier to continue your pregnancy or have an abortion?
This article will discuss high-risk pregnancy, abortion risks, and how to determine your risk factor for pregnancy and abortion.
What Is a High-Risk Pregnancy?
The term “high-risk” can sound rather scary, but it means that your healthcare provider will monitor you more closely because there are factors that increase your or your baby’s chances of problems.
Obstetricians (OB/GYNs) specializing in high-risk pregnancies are skilled at monitoring you closely if you have conditions that may put you at higher risk for pregnancy complications.
Common risk factors for pregnancy include:
- Maternal age
If you are over age 35 or age 17 or younger, you may be at increased risk. Your OB/GYN will have you visit more often to catch potential problems early. Women can successfully continue their pregnancies even after 40.
- Maternal weight
Being underweight or obese can also affect your pregnancy. If your BMI (body mass index) is under 18.5, you may have a higher risk of miscarriage or preterm birth. If your BMI is over 30, you might also be at higher risk of high blood pressure. Despite potential risks, you can still have a healthy pregnancy.
- Existing health conditions
Having an existing health condition can cause you to feel anxious, wondering how pregnancy will affect you and your baby. Medicine is constantly advancing, and your OB/GYN will discuss ways to keep you safe during a high-risk pregnancy.
- Multiple pregnancy
Being pregnant with multiple babies increases your risks, including giving birth too early. If your doctor has suggested you abort one or more embryos because of a multiple pregnancy, be sure to seek other opinions from high-risk OB/GYNs so you can make an informed decision about your situation. And keep in mind that 98% of triplets born at 28 weeks (3 months prematurely) survive.
Is It Riskier To Continue Your High-Risk Pregnancy or Have an Abortion?
Abortion is so common in our culture that it’s easy to forget that it has risks, too. Researchers report that women are four times more likely to die within the year after an abortion than after giving birth.
Abortion risks include:
- Infection
- Sepsis or septic shock
- Damage to cervix or uterus
- Uterine perforation
- Injury to bowel or bladder
- Uterine scarring
- Hemorrhaging
- Future infertility, miscarriage, preterm delivery
- Post-abortion stress syndrome (PASS)/depression
- Death
How To Determine Your Risk Factors for Pregnancy and Abortion
If you are considering abortion due to your risk factors, it’s critical to gather all the information you can so you can feel secure about the decision you make.
- Do your own research. Consider joining online groups to talk to others who have been in your shoes and have access to resources.
- Get multiple professional opinions from high-risk OB/GYNs who have a complete understanding of your specific risk factors. Bring a list of questions with you.
- Trust your gut.
Willowbrook Can Help You Decide
Willowbrook offers compassionate pregnancy services from licensed healthcare professionals at no cost to help you decide what is best for you and your health. Make your confidential appointment today.
