In a case that offers hope to women who aspire to become a mother to a healthy baby, a 33-year-old woman weighing 160 kg, gave birth to a healthy 3.2 kg baby after 14 years of marriage. Simmora Dsouza, working in an International BPO, also had a history of hypothyroidism since childhood along with menstrual irregularities and morbid obesity.
Her weight shot up to 185 kgs a few years back. But she wanted to conceive so she underwent bariatric surgery, which helped her reduce her weight from 185 kg to 130kg. Luckily, she was able to conceive a healthy baby following a successful delivery.
The delivery was done via cesarean section by Dr Mangala Patil, Consultant Obstetrician, and Gynaecologist, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road and her team. She spoke to the OnlyMyHealth team about high-risk pregnancies and ways to overcome their challenges.
What Is High-Risk Pregnancy?
The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development defines a high-risk pregnancy as one that involves life-threatening complications for the child, the mother, or both. There can be many reasons for a high-risk pregnancy, like the age of the mother, hormonal imbalances, and lifestyle practices like smoking, poor diet, or physical inactivity.
Pregnancy Complications Due To Obesity
Dr Patil said, “In a high-risk pregnancy, the patient needs more frequent follow-ups and regular ultrasonography to ensure the health of the baby.” Focussing on the case at present, she listed some of the challenges of high-risk pregnancy due to obesity:
- Preterm delivery
- Miscarriage
- Recurrent pregnancy loss
- Gestational diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Convulsions
- Low birth weight of babies
Challenges For The Mother
“In high-risk pregnancies, a patient needs surgical intervention and has a high chance of cesarean section,” said Dr Patil. According to the National Health Service, a cesarean section, often abbreviated as C-section, is a surgical procedure used to deliver a baby through an incision made in the mother's abdomen and uterus. This procedure is typically performed when vaginal delivery is not possible or is considered risky for the mother, the baby, or both.
She shared some challenges that the mother might face due to a complicated pregnancy:
- Postpartum haemorrhage, that may require blood transfusion and admission to an intensive care unit.
- Deep vein thrombosis
Simmora Dsouza’s Successful Pregnancy
To improve her chance of getting pregnant, Dsouza underwent a bariatric surgery. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases states that bariatric surgery, also known as weight loss surgery, is a procedure performed on those who are severely obese and are not able to lose weight through methods such as diet and exercise.
Dr Patil shared that a woman generally gains up to 11 kg during pregnancy. However, Dsouza gained 30 kg. She followed a proper diet and exercise to increase her odds of a successful delivery.
Dsouza delivered a healthy baby through a targeted approach, customised for her health needs. “Our dream of having a baby seemed unattainable for years. After 14 years of marriage marked by struggles with obesity and thyroid problems, I almost gave up hope. I had tears of joy in my eyes after I held the baby for the first time and welcomed him to this world. I am on top of the world after embracing motherhood,” concluded Simmora Dsouza.
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Tips To Improve The Outcome Of A High-Risk Pregnancy
Dr Patil concluded with some tips and suggestions for patients who have significant risk factors for a complicated pregnancy. She said that obese patients should go for weight reduction before conception through a proper diet plan, and lifestyle modifications. If a morbidly obese patient is unable to reduce weight through diet and exercise and is in a rush for weight loss, bariatric surgery is an option. In the case of a thyroid disorder, hypertension, diabetes, or heart disease, the patient should seek proper medical treatment to optimise their chances of a successful, safe, and healthy pregnancy.