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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    Is it safe to have another baby after 4 complicated pregnancies?

    Related Topics
    Abortion Miscarriage Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
    I'm currently pregnant with my 5th baby and have been advised by my GP to terminate as I had my first son at 36 weeks my second at 30 weeks due to pre eclampsia, my 3rd at 37 weeks and my 4th at 33 weeks which I had an amniotic fluid embolism, my lung collapsed and they had to insubate me twice.

    I was just wondering if this is the only option as the hospital did advise me to not have any more but am torn as I had a miscarriage as well and I know how I was mentally when that was out of my control.
    • 2 answers
    • Women's Health Queensland Wide
    • Dr David Moore
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    Women's Health Queensland Wide

    Women's Health Queensland Wide provides free health information for Queensland women. View Profile

    Before you make any decisions re this pregnancy you need to consult a specialist or specialists who are skilled in the treatment of high risk pregnancies. Your past history, current health and health of the fetus can be established and monitored. Your GP can refer you to either a private specialist or to a public maternity hospital which has a high risk pregnancy birth unit
    Regards
    Brenda
    Women’s Health Educator
    Health Information Line, Women’s Health Queensland Wide
     
    Women living in Queensland can also call our Health Information Line - a free information and referral service for Queensland women - on 3839 9988 or 1800 017 676 (toll free outside Brisbane).
     
    Please note that all health information provided by Women’s Health Queensland Wide is subject to this disclaimer
     

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    Dr David Moore

    Gynaecologist, Gynaecologist - Infertility (IVF) Specialist, Obstetrician

    David received a solid foundation to training in tertiary obstetric units and has developed skills in the management of complex and high-risk pregnancies and deliveries. … View Profile

    No woman should be told to terminate a pregnancy that she wishes to continue with.  This can have significant psychological repercussions, as you are obviously aware of given your description of how you felt after a spontaneous miscarriage.
     
    Indeed your pregnancy is high-risk.  There's no getting around that; but if your instinct is to continue this pregnancy, or give it the best chance, then the real question is how to best manage your pregnancy.
     
    An Obstetrician is a specialist in high-risk pregnancy, who can evaluate your specific circumstances and give you information specific to you about your risks for this pregnancy.  Once risks are identified, they can be addressed, managed, and minimised, to optimise your pregnancy outcome. 
     
    I would implore you to seek an opinion as soon as possible as, if you choose to continue the pregnancy, there may be some treatments to commence early in your pregnancy to minimise your risks.
     
    Incidentally, preeclampsia can be managed and in many cases the need for premature delivery can be avoided.  Amniotic fluid embolism is a horrible condition but, importantly, it is not a recurrent disease, and there is no reason to believe you would be at significant risk of this happening again.
     
    I sincerely wish you the very best for your pregnancy!

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