High-Risk Pregnancies

A pregnancy is considered high-risk when there are potential complications that could affect you, your baby, or both. These complications will require special attention from your doctor.

Here are some factors that make for a high-risk pregnancy:

  • You or your partner have a family history of genetic concerns
  • You’ve had complications during a previous pregnancy
  • Complications have developed during your current pregnancy
  • You have a pre-existing medical condition such as high blood pressure or diabetes
  • You’re expecting more than one baby (twins or more)

We offer comprehensive care for you and your baby every step of the way, providing seamless care before, during and after birth. Our OB/GYNs are experienced at treating both low and high-risk pregnancies. You can also get a referral from your doctor to see specialists at our Maternal and Fetal Specialty Center.

Your pregnancy may not be an easy one, but you can feel confident that you’re getting the most advanced care, and the kindest as well.

If you have a chronic condition and become pregnant, you may need expert care to help ensure a healthy outcome for you and your baby.

Maternal conditions that are considered high-risk include:

  • Your age (if you’re over 35 years old, your baby is at a greater risk of complications)
  • Pre-existing medical conditions before pregnancy (high blood pressure, heart problems, diabetes)
  • Autoimmune diseases (thyroid, lupus)

Our OB/GYNs will closely monitor you and your baby for complications throughout your pregnancy.

You may develop complications during your pregnancy that affect you and/or your baby. These include:

  • Anemia (lower than normal number of health red blood cells)
  • Depression (extreme sadness during pregnancy)
  • Ectopic pregnancy (the fertilized egg implants outside of the uterus)
  • Fetal problems like poor growth
  • Problems with the placenta
  • Gestational diabetes
  • High blood pressure that starts after your 20th week (preeclampsia/toxemia)
  • Severe and persistent nausea and vomiting
  • Miscarriage from natural causes
  • Going into labor before your 37th week (preterm labor)

Our OB/GYNs will closely monitor you and your baby throughout your pregnancy and may discuss prenatal tests and procedures with you.

If you’re having a high-risk pregnancy, your OB/GYN will monitor you closely for potential problems or complications. Prenatal tests and procedures will help get as much information about you and your baby.

While many of these pose little or no risk, some types of testing and procedures do carry some risk to you, your baby, or both. If you’re offered prenatal testing, discuss the following with your OB/GYN:

  • Why is the test/procedure needed?
  • What information will it provide?
  • What are the benefits?
  • What are the risks, if any?
  • Are there alternative tests or procedures?
  • Who will perform the test and where will it be done?
  • How long until we get the results?
  • Will the results require additional test/procedure?
  • Based on the results, what will my options be?
  • What are my options if I don’t choose to have the test/procedure?