Times Now India Health Summit 2026: High-Risk Pregnancies Are Set to Spike, Warns Fertility Expert

High-risk pregnancies are likely to become more common in India as changing lifestyles, delayed parenthood, and rising stress levels reshape reproductive health, warned leading fertility experts at the Times Now India Health Summit 2026 – South Edition. Speaking during a panel discussion, Dr. T. Rajeswari Reddy, Obstetrician and Advanced Robotic & Laparoscopic Surgeon, highlighted how modern lifestyles are increasing pregnancy-related complications. She noted that while technology has made life more convenient, people are not using the extra time to improve their health. "Technology saves time, but we are not doing more with that time," she said.Also read: Times Now Health Summit 2026: Dr Sivaranjani Santosh Reveals What It Really Costs To Be

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Why are high-risk pregnancies increasing?

According to Dr. Reddy, unhealthy lifestyle choices are becoming a major contributor to high-risk pregnancies. "We are eating more junk food and leading sedentary lifestyles, which are increasing the incidence of high-risk pregnancies," she said. She also pointed to a significant social shift in India. More couples are choosing to delay marriage and parenthood due to career aspirations, financial planning, and changing cultural norms. While delayed pregnancies have become increasingly common, advancing maternal age is associated with a higher risk of complications such as gestational diabetes, hypertension, preeclampsia, preterm birth, and chromosomal abnormalities. In addition, both physical and mental stress are taking a toll on reproductive health. "High-risk pregnancies are only going to increase," Dr. Rajeswari Reddy cautioned.

What is a high-risk pregnancy?

A pregnancy is considered high-risk when the mother, baby, or both face a greater chance of health complications before, during, or after childbirth. Some common risk factors include:

• Pregnancy after the age of 35
• Obesity or being overweight
• Diabetes or high blood pressure
• Multiple pregnancies (twins or triplets)
• Previous pregnancy complications
• Smoking, alcohol use, or poor nutrition
• Chronic medical conditions
• High levels of stress

Experts say many of these risks can be reduced through preconception counselling, healthy lifestyle changes, and regular prenatal care.

India's IVF success matches global standards

Speaking at the summit, Dr. Vandana Hegde, Clinical Director, Chief IVF Consultant, and Gynaecologist at Hegde Fertility, said India has achieved IVF success rates that are comparable to international standards. "When it comes to infertility, India's success rate is at par internationally," she said. Dr. Hegde added that infertility is no longer viewed as a taboo in many parts of the country, encouraging more couples to seek medical help. "There is a great demand for infertility treatment because infertility is now an accepted condition among people, unlike in the past," she explained.

Access and affordability remain major challenges

Despite world-class fertility treatment outcomes, affordability remains a major concern. Dr. Hegde said that although demand for IVF treatment in India continues to rise, many couples still cannot access fertility care because of its high cost and limited availability in several regions. Experts at the summit stressed that improving awareness, expanding access to fertility services, and encouraging healthier lifestyles will be essential to addressing India's growing reproductive health challenges. As delayed parenthood, stress, obesity, and sedentary living become increasingly common, healthcare professionals believe that prevention, early intervention, and affordable fertility care will play a critical role in improving maternal and child health outcomes.