For pregnancy-induced hypertension, rest, an easily digestible, protein-rich diet and drug therapy are recommended.

Factors in the development of diabetes include:

• age- over 35 years;
• being overweight before pregnancy;
• hypertension and kidney disease;
• family history of diabetes.

In such a mother there is an increased risk of intrauterine fetal demise. A diabetic diet and insulin therapy should be used. The baby's condition should be monitored.

Cholestasis can occur in the second half of pregnancy and is characterised by impaired bile secretion. The symptom is itching of the skin later on jaundice may occur. Hypoxia of the foetus or premature birth may occur. Cholestasis is treated pharmacologically.

Hypotrophy is intrauterine growth restriction of the foetus. The perinatal mortality rate is then 6-10 times higher. Such babies often show delayed psycho-physical development. The diagnosis of hypotrophy is made on the basis of clinical and ultrasound examination. In the treatment, bed rest, protein-rich diet, elimination of habits, administration of acetylsalicylic acid, arginine are recommended. If the baby's condition is at risk, caesarean section is recommended.

photo: ojoimages

Multiple pregnancies can also be classed as high-risk pregnancies, as they involve the simultaneous development of two foetuses. In twin pregnancies, the infant mortality rate is six times higher than in single pregnancies. Preterm birth, foetal abnormalities, death of one of the foetuses, transfusion syndrome may occur. In multiple pregnancies it is recommended to limit physical activity, it is important to monitor the condition of the fetuses by Medical US and CTG. In case of abnormal positioning of the twins, caesarean section is used.