High-Risk Pregnancy Factors

What makes a pregnancy high risk?
Examples of conditions that make a pregnancy high-risk includes:

• Maternal Age. Women who are under 17 or over 35 years of age
• Medical History. Pre-existing conditions that a woman has prior to getting pregnant including thyroid problems, high blood pressure, diabetes, mental health problems, anemia, history of LEEP or cervical procedure
• Pregnancy History. A prior pregnancy with pre-term delivery (birth of a baby before 37 weeks), a baby born low birth weight, history of pre-eclampsia, history of emergency C-section, pregnancy from in-vitro fertilization (IVF), short interval between pregnancies, multiple gestation (twins)
• Lifestyle. Smoking cigarettes, being overweight or underweight

High-Risk Pregnancy Conditions

Pre-Term Delivery

Preterm labor occurs when a woman delivers a baby before the 37th week of pregnancy. If you have a history of pre-term birth in a prior pregnancy you are at increased risk for pre-term birth in the next pregnancy.  Our team will review your prior pregnancy history in detail to minimize this risk.

Pre-Eclampsia

Preeclampsia is a high blood pressure condition unique to pregnancy that can cause complications for mother and baby.  If you have high blood pressure prior to becoming pregnant or you have had pre-eclampsia in a prior pregnancy then you are at increased risk for developing pre-eclampsia.  We will closely monitor your blood pressure, labs, and fetal growth to ensure a safe pregnancy

Gestational Diabetes

Pregnant women who have never had diabetes before can develop gestational diabetes. If you have had gestational diabetes in a prior pregnancy you are at risk in future pregnancies as well. The increased blood sugar levels can lead to growth problems for your baby and problems with your baby’s blood sugar after delivery.

There are other conditions that can make a pregnancy high-risk but you can put your trust in our experienced, skilled obstetric team at Associated Women’s Healthcare.  We take care of high risk patients every day in our office and have decades of experience to keep you healthy throughout your entire pregnancy journey.

Important Appointments & Tests

To give mother and baby the best chance at a healthy delivery, it is recommended that women attend:

• Preconception counseling. Before trying to get pregnant, a preconception counseling appointment will help the family be better prepared for pregnancy. The OBGYN will explain any potential risks and recommend lifestyle changes to increase chances of a healthy pregnancy.
• Routine Checkups. Most pregnant women have around thirteen prenatal appointments during their pregnancy. Women with a high-risk pregnancy may visit more for closer monitoring, especially during the second and third trimester.

In addition to routine prenatal tests, additional screenings may be recommended. Depending on circumstances, your obstetrician may choose to perform the following:

• Targeted Ultrasound. A fetal ultrasound can provide the OBGYN with images of the baby in the uterus. The obstetrician will be able to determine if certain abnormalities or defects are present.
• Cervical Ultrasound. Ultrasound images of the cervix may be taken to help the OBGYN determine if its length could be a factor that causes preterm labor.
• Genetic Testing. A sample of maternal blood is sent to the lab where the fetal DNA is analyzed for any genetic abnormalities such as Down syndrome.
• Non-stress Testing. In-office fetal monitoring typically done on a weekly basis toward the end of a high risk pregnancy to monitor fetal well being
• Growth Ultrasound. In-office ultrasounds done at certain intervals to determine how well your baby is growing

If you have conditions that may make your pregnancy high risk, the OB/GYNs at Associated Women’s Healthcare can help guide you through every step of the process.  All four physicians are American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology board certified meaning they provide the highest quality, evidence-based care and are among the best OB/GYNs in the country. To make an appointment, please call (972) 612-8829 today!