High Risk Pregnancy

What is a high-risk pregnancy?

A high-risk pregnancy involves medical complications that may threaten the safety and health of yourself or your baby. Pregnancies can start out routine and healthy and become high-risk during the course of the pregnancy or pre-existing conditions can classify a pregnancy as high-risk from conception.

You can safely deliver a baby even if your pregnancy is considered high-risk, but it’s even more important that you diligently receive prenatal care and follow your doctor’s instructions throughout your pregnancy. The skilled doctors at Advanced Women’s Health Specialists have extensive training in caring for high-risk pregnancies, and help you maintain your health and safety throughout your pregnancy and during labor and delivery.

What health conditions cause a high-risk pregnancy?

Women pregnant over the age of 35 are more likely to have a high-risk pregnancy. If any of the following health conditions apply to you before pregnancy, you may be classified as high-risk from the moment of conception: 

• History of prior miscarriages
• Lung, kidney, or heart conditions
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes 
• Systemic illnesses
• Autoimmune conditions
• Some STDs
• Certain genetic conditions

If you develop any of the following symptoms or conditions during the course of your pregnancy, you may also become classified as a high-risk pregnancy:

• Preeclampsia
• Gestational diabetes
• Fetal heart malformation
• Placenta previa
• Low fetal weight
• Premature labor

If you’re pregnant with twins, triplets, or other multiples, your pregnancy is considered high-risk and may need specialized health care.

What should I expect if I have a high-risk pregnancy?

Your doctor will attentively monitor your condition throughout your high-risk pregnancy, including more frequent prenatal visits and:

• Fetal genetic testing
• Fetal heart-rate monitoring
• Frequent ultrasounds
• Additional maternal blood and urine tests

Depending on the severity of your health condition, your doctor may suggest lifestyle changes, dietary changes, bed rest, or prescribe medications. If you need a C-section delivery, you can trust the knowledgeable and experienced gynecology surgeons at Advanced Women’s Health Specialists to perform the procedure safely. 

If you’re trying to get pregnant and suspect you may be classified as a high-risk pregnancy, or you’re already pregnant, call the office or schedule an appointment online for a high-risk prenatal care consultation today.