High-risk pregnancies on the rise? Delhi hospital says one in four deliveries required specialised care

Nearly one in four women who delivered at a Delhi-based tertiary care hospital over the past eight years had a high-risk pregnancy, underscoring a growing maternal health challenge driven by lifestyle diseases, delayed pregnancies and pre-existing medical conditions, doctors said.

Aakash Healthcare, which has completed 10,000 deliveries since launching maternity services in 2017, said around 25 per cent of these pregnancies required specialised care involving multiple departments due to complications that could threaten the health of both mother and child.

The trend mirrors findings from medical research suggesting complicated pregnancies are becoming more common globally because of factors such as delayed motherhood, obesity, diabetes, hypertension, multiple pregnancies and other pre-existing medical conditions. Such pregnancies are associated with a higher risk of maternal illness, premature births and neonatal complications.

Dr. Madhulika, Senior Consultant, Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Aakash Healthcare, said the profile of expectant mothers has changed considerably over the past decade.

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"We are seeing more women entering pregnancy with conditions such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, thyroid disorders and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Delayed motherhood and the increasing use of assisted reproductive technologies have also contributed to pregnancies that require closer monitoring. The good news is that most women can still have healthy pregnancies with regular antenatal care and timely medical intervention," she said.

High-risk pregnancies include those complicated by gestational diabetes, pregnancy-induced hypertension, severe anaemia, thyroid disorders, heart disease, obesity, multiple pregnancies, previous caesarean sections and other chronic medical conditions that increase the chances of complications for the mother or baby.

Dr. Madhulika, said pregnancy care has become significantly more complex in recent years.

"Many women now develop complications such as gestational diabetes or pregnancy-induced hypertension, which can affect multiple organs if not managed promptly. These pregnancies often require coordinated care involving obstetricians, physicians, cardiologists, anaesthetists, neonatologists and critical care specialists," she said.

One of the biggest misconceptions among expectant mothers is that a high-risk pregnancy automatically means poor outcomes, she added.

"Being classified as high-risk does not mean the pregnancy will have a poor outcome. It simply means both mother and baby need closer monitoring and, where required, support from specialists. Most women go on to deliver healthy babies," she said.

Complex cases require specialised care

Doctors at the hospital recalled handling several complicated pregnancies over the years, including a woman who contracted Covid-19 during pregnancy and another who temporarily lost her vision before recovering after timely multidisciplinary intervention.

According to experts, access to multidisciplinary care and advanced hospital infrastructure plays a critical role in improving outcomes in such cases.

Doctors said pregnant women should immediately seek medical attention if they experience persistent severe headaches, blurred vision, swelling of the hands or face, reduced fetal movements, vaginal bleeding or leaking of amniotic fluid, as these could indicate potentially serious complications.

"Women should not wait for their next scheduled antenatal visit if they experience warning signs. Seeking medical attention early can prevent complications for both mother and baby," she said.

Dr. Syed Hasan, Director of Paediatric Services and Head of Paediatrics and Neonatology at the hospital, said newborn care is equally important in high-risk pregnancies, particularly for premature or critically ill babies requiring intensive care immediately after birth.

Early screening can reduce complications

Medical studies have highlighted that identifying at-risk women early and referring them to centres equipped to handle complex pregnancies can significantly reduce complications for both mothers and newborns.

Researchers have also stressed the importance of multidisciplinary care, regular antenatal monitoring and access to emergency obstetric services as the number of complicated pregnancies continues to rise.

Doctors also emphasised the importance of pre-pregnancy health assessment, particularly for women with diabetes, hypertension, thyroid disorders or obesity.

"Pregnancy planning should ideally begin before conception. Managing blood sugar and blood pressure, achieving a healthy weight, taking folic acid and controlling chronic illnesses beforehand can greatly improve pregnancy outcomes," she said.

She added that every pregnant woman should undergo an early risk assessment during the first trimester.

"An early risk assessment in the first trimester helps doctors identify women who need additional monitoring and allows care to be tailored before complications develop," she said.

Dr. Aashish Chaudhry, Managing Director of Aakash Healthcare, said the hospital's experience underscores the importance of integrated maternal and neonatal care, particularly for women with complicated pregnancies.

The hospital said it has conducted more than 10,000 deliveries since 2017.