Hello! Are high-risk pregnancies on the rise in India? Yes, they are—and experts say it’s happening because of things like older moms, lifestyle changes, and health issues popping up more often.
I’m an gynecologist at Mamata Fertility Hospital in Secunderabad, and I’ve seen this trend in my clinic every day. It’s a big topic, and I know it might worry you—whether you’re expecting a baby, planning one, or supporting someone who is.
In this article, I’ll walk you through why more pregnancies are becoming high-risk, what that means for moms and babies, and what we can do about it. You’ll hear real stories from my patients, get clear answers to common questions, and find simple steps to feel more in control.
Let’s figure this out together!
What Is a High-Risk Pregnancy?
First, let’s talk about what “high-risk” means. A high-risk pregnancy is when there’s a bigger chance of problems for the mom or baby during pregnancy, birth, or after.
It’s like walking a road with a few extra twists—you can still get to the end, but you might need more help to stay safe. Things like a mom’s age, her health, or how the baby’s growing can make a pregnancy high-risk.
In India, experts are noticing more of these cases, and they’ve got some solid reasons why.
Why Are High-Risk Pregnancies Increasing in India?
Experts across India—like doctors and researchers—say high-risk pregnancies are going up because life here is changing fast. Let’s break it down into the big reasons they’ve found.
1. Moms Are Getting Pregnant Later
More women in India are waiting until their 30s or even 40s to have babies. Why? Jobs, education, and getting married later are all part of it. Your body’s like a garden—the older it gets, the harder it can be to grow a healthy plant. After 35, eggs age too, and that can make pregnancy trickier.
A 39-year-old woman came to Mamata Fertility Hospital last month. She’d just found out she was pregnant after years of focusing on her career.
She was thrilled but worried—her age put her at higher risk for things like high blood pressure. We started extra check-ups early, and she’s doing well so far.
Her story’s common these days.
2. Lifestyle Changes Are Adding Up
The way we live now—busy schedules, fast food, and sitting a lot—isn’t helping. Being overweight, not moving enough, or smoking (even a little) can make pregnancy tougher. It’s like piling extra bags on a cart—it still rolls, but it’s harder to push.
Another, 28-year-old patient came in at 6 months pregnant. She’d gained a lot of weight from eating out often and working long desk hours. Her blood sugar shot up, which can be risky for her and the baby. We worked on a simple diet plan, and she’s managing it now—but lifestyle was the spark.
3. Health Problems Are More Common
Diabetes, high blood pressure, and thyroid issues are showing up in younger women in India. These can turn a pregnancy high-risk because they’re like extra passengers in the car—they need space and attention.
A 32-year-old walked in with her husband, worried sick. She’d had diabetes for years and didn’t know it could affect her pregnancy. We caught it early, adjusted her food and medicine, and her baby’s growing strong. Health issues like hers are popping up more often.
4. Teen Pregnancies Haven’t Gone Away
On the flip side, some girls under 17 are still getting pregnant, especially in rural areas. Their bodies are still growing—like a tree that’s not fully rooted—so adding a baby can strain things.
5. Babies Coming Too Close Together
In some families, women have babies one after another with little break. It’s like planting crops without letting the soil rest—the ground gets tired. Short gaps—less than 18 months—raise risks like early birth or small babies. Spacing matters more than people realize.
What Makes a Pregnancy High-Risk?
So, what exactly flags a pregnancy as high-risk? Here’s what experts look for:
- Age: Under 17 or over 35.
- Health Before Pregnancy: Diabetes, high blood pressure, or being very overweight.
- Pregnancy Problems: Twins, early labor, or bleeding.
- Baby’s Growth: If the baby’s too small or has a condition.
In India, these are showing up more because of the changes we just talked about. But how do they affect moms and babies? Let’s dive deeper.
How Do These Risks Affect You and Your Baby?
High-risk pregnancies can bring challenges, but they don’t mean disaster—they just need more care. Here’s what might happen:
- Early Birth: Babies might come before 37 weeks, needing special help to grow.
- Small Size: Babies might weigh less, like a lighter fruit from a stressed tree.
- Mom’s Health: High blood pressure or sugar issues can tire you out or need medicine.
A 37-year-old was pregnant with twins—double the joy, double the risk. Her age and the twins meant we watched her closely. She delivered at 36 weeks, and both babies are thriving now with some nursery time. Risks were there, but we handled them.
What Are Experts Saying About This Trend?
Doctors and studies—like one from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5)—say nearly half of pregnancies in India have some high-risk factor. That’s a lot! They point to:
- City Life: More stress, less exercise, and later marriages.
- Rural Gaps: Young moms and not enough doctor visits.
- Awareness: Many don’t know these risks until it’s late.
The good news? India’s maternal care is improving—fewer moms are facing serious trouble thanks to better hospitals and programs. But we’ve still got work to do.
What Can You Do About It?
You’re not helpless here—I promise! Whether you’re pregnant or planning, here’s how to lower the risks:
- See a Doctor Early: Start check-ups as soon as you know you’re pregnant. It’s like catching a leak before it floods.
- Eat Smart: Fruits, veggies, and water keep you strong. Skip the junk.
- Move a Bit: A short walk or stretch helps your body stay ready.
- Space Babies: Wait at least 18 months between kids—give your body a breather.
- Manage Health: If you’ve got diabetes or high blood pressure, keep it in check before pregnancy.
Checklist for a Healthy Pregnancy:
- Book a doctor visit this week.
- Swap one soda for water today.
- Walk 10 minutes after dinner.
- Talk to your partner about timing if you’re planning more kids.
- Check your sugar or pressure if it’s been a while.
When Should You Worry?
Most high-risk pregnancies turn out fine with the right care. But call your doctor if:
- You’re bleeding or have bad pain.
- Your baby’s not moving as much.
- You feel dizzy or super tired all the time.
Incident from OPD Consultation: A 34-year-old, Neha, called us in a panic at 7 months—she hadn’t felt her baby move all day. We checked her right away; the baby was okay but small. Extra visits and rest got her to a safe delivery. Trust your gut—if something’s off, reach out.
Your Action Plan: Feel Confident Today
Here’s what you can do right now:
- Check Your Risks: Are you under 17, over 35, or dealing with health stuff? Note it down.
- Start Small: Pick one healthy habit—like a fruit snack—and stick to it.
- Talk to Us: Got questions? Call Mamata Fertility Hospital at mamatafertility.com. I’d love to help.
- Spread the Word: Share this with someone who needs it—knowledge is power.
You’ve taken time to read this because you care—that’s a huge step.
At Mamata Fertility Hospital in Secunderabad, we’ve seen this rise in high-risk cases firsthand. I’ve worked with young moms, older moms, and everyone in between.
We’ve got the tools—ultrasounds, blood tests, and a caring team—to keep you and your baby safe. You don’t have to figure this out alone—I’m here, and so are we.
You’ve got all the why’s and how’s in one place now, no need to dig through a dozen sites. If something’s still nagging at you, let’s chat and sort it out together.