Navigating through pregnancy is an exhilarating journey for most women. But unfortunately, that’s not always the case if you have a high-risk pregnancy.
High-risk pregnancies can turn this life milestone into a challenging and scary period due to its complexities and potential threats to the health of both mom and baby.
If that’s you, we’ve prepared a special guide to help you understand high-risk pregnancies, including diagnosis, specialized care, and habits to optimize your health and mitigate risks.
So, keep reading to delve into risk factors, medical assessments to help pregnant women identify potential complications, and strategies to overcome the challenges of a high-risk pregnancy so that you can experience a safe and healthy journey to motherhood.
Table of Contents
What is a High-Risk Pregnancy?
Identifying a High-Risk Pregnancy
Medical Assessments to Determine High-Risk Pregnancies
What Are the Main Pregnancy Complications if You’re Considered High Risk?
Managing a High-Risk Pregnancy
High-Risk Pregnancy Appointments Timeline
Let’s start with the basics.
What is a High-Risk Pregnancy?
Having a high-risk pregnancy means having certain factors that increase the likelihood of complications and threats for the mother, the baby, or both during gestation and delivery.
These factors can vary widely and may include:
- Preexisting health conditions
- Maternal age
- Lifestyle habits
- Multiple gestations
- Pregnancy-related conditions
These are the most common factors for a pregnancy to be considered high risk. But that doesn’t mean that every woman who is older than 35 will experience pregnancy complications or premature labor, for example.
Many other factors, including overall health, prenatal care, and lifestyle choices, play significant roles in determining pregnancy outcomes.
But suppose your doctor determines that your pregnancy is considered high risk. In that case, closer monitoring and specialized care are paramount to minimize your risks and protect you and your baby during gestation.
So, as soon as you find out you’re pregnant, see your healthcare provider – because the earlier you identify risk factors, the better you can implement appropriate measures to ensure a safe and healthy pregnancy.
Identifying a High-Risk Pregnancy
Now that you know the main factors that impact a healthy pregnancy, let’s dive deep into some of them and the medical assessments you’ll need to do to confirm or rule out a high-risk pregnancy.
Here are some typical indicators and early warning signs of high-risk pregnancy:
Preexisting Health Conditions
If you suffer from chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, thyroid disorders, autoimmune diseases, or certain infections, you’re at higher risk for complications during your pregnancy.
For this reason, you should give your doctor details of your medical history so they can follow your pregnancy with closer, specialized care.
Maternal Age
Many people tend to believe that getting pregnant after the late 30s or 40s is more challenging. But for as long as you ovulate, there’s still a high risk of pregnancy and your age can come into play. That’s because advanced maternal age (typically defined as 35 years or older) is one of the main risk factors for certain complications during pregnancy.
However, young maternal age can also present its own set of challenges and considerations for maternal and fetal health.
Teenage pregnancy may increase the likelihood of complications such as preterm labor, low birth weight, and preeclampsia. Additionally, young mothers may face social, economic, and emotional challenges that can impact their pregnancy outcomes.
Factors like inadequate prenatal care, limited access to resources, and higher rates of smoking or substance abuse among younger mothers can contribute to increased risks during pregnancy.
Previous Pregnancy Complications
A history of miscarriages, stillbirths, preterm births, or cesarean deliveries may indicate an increased risk for similar complications in future pregnancies.
Multiple Gestations
Pregnancies with twins, triplets, or higher-order multiples are at high risk because they can trigger some complications like preterm birth, low birth weight, and preeclampsia.
Pregnancy-Related Health Conditions
Gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, placental abnormalities, and fetal growth restriction are examples of health conditions that can develop during pregnancy and may increase the risk of complications.
Lifestyle Factors
Smoking, alcohol consumption, substance abuse, poor nutrition, and obesity may all trigger a high-risk pregnancy. So, the best way to ensure a healthy gestation is to start preparing your body even before conceiving.
By keeping a healthy weight, adopting a balanced diet, and ceasing smoking, alcohol, and substance abuse, you can significantly mitigate the risks and experience a healthy journey to motherhood.
Genetic Factors
A family history of genetic disorders or chromosomal abnormalities may increase the risk of certain complications and the development of specific conditions in the fetus.
So, suppose you have a family history of genetic disorders. In that case, your doctor may recommend comprehensive assessments and screenings at the earliest stages of pregnancy. This is so you can adopt the proper measures to manage any eventual condition and make informed decisions about pursuing your pregnancy.
Medical Assessments to Determine High-Risk Pregnancies
In addition to the indicators described above, some specific tests throughout your pregnancy help determine if you’re at higher risk.
These assessments are critical, as early identification of threats and close monitoring are the best way of managing high-risk pregnancies and optimizing your health and your baby’s.
Prenatal screenings: Screening tests such as ultrasound scans, blood tests, and genetic screenings can help identify potential risks and abnormalities in the fetus.
High blood pressure monitoring: Throughout pregnancy, your doctor will regularly check if you have high blood pressure to detect hypertension, which can lead to complications such as preeclampsia.
Glucose tolerance testing: Screening for gestational diabetes is typically performed between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy, especially if you have a family history of diabetes or obesity.
Fetal monitoring: Nonstress tests (NSTs) and biophysical profiles (BPPs) may be used to assess the fetus’s well-being and detect signs of fetal distress.
Maternal serum marker tests: These blood tests measure specific substances in the mother’s blood to assess the risk of chromosomal abnormalities or neural tube defects in the fetus.
What Are the Main Pregnancy Complications if You’re Considered High Risk?
After identifying a high-risk pregnancy, it’s time to explore why it’s so important to have the proper care. High-risk pregnancies can lead to severe complications and risks that pose significant challenges for both you and your baby.
Here are some of the main pregnancy complications:
Preeclampsia and Eclampsia
Preeclampsia is a condition characterized by high blood pressure and signs of damage to other organ systems, such as liver and kidneys. If left untreated, preeclampsia can progress to eclampsia, which involves seizures. Both conditions can be life-threatening for both you and your baby.
Preterm Birth
We call birth before 37 weeks of gestation “preterm birth.” It can lead to a range of complications for your baby, including respiratory distress syndrome, developmental delays, and long-term health issues.
Preterm birth is more common in high-risk pregnancies due to factors such as preeclampsia, placental abnormalities, and maternal health problems.
Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that develops in pregnant women, leading to high blood sugar levels during pregnancy.
If not properly managed, it can lead to complications such as macrosomia (large birth weight), birth injuries, and neonatal hypoglycemia.
In addition, gestational diabetes also increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life for both you and your baby.
Placental Abnormalities
Placental abnormalities, such as placenta previa (where the placenta partially or completely covers the cervix) or placental abruption (where the placenta separates from the uterine wall) can lead to significant bleeding and severe risks to both of you.
Fetal Growth Restriction
Fetal growth restriction occurs when the baby does not grow at the expected rate in your womb. It can result from factors such as placental insufficiency, maternal health problems, or genetic factors.
Fetal growth restriction increases the risk of stillbirth, neonatal complications, and long-term health issues for your baby.
Cesarean Delivery
High-risk pregnancies may increase the likelihood of needing a C-section due to complications such as fetal distress, placental abnormalities, or maternal health problems.
Maternal Health Complications
High-risk pregnancies can also pose risks to the mother’s health, including complications such as postpartum bleeding, blood clots, and worsening of pre-existing medical conditions such as diabetes or hypertension.
These are just some of the severe complications and risks associated with high-risk pregnancies. So, if you’re at high risk, it’s essential to receive close monitoring to mitigate and manage risks for a healthy delivery.
Next, we’ll show you how to manage a pregnancy high risk and the main appointments you should have to get specialized care.
Managing a High-Risk Pregnancy
Despite all the potential complications, a high-risk pregnancy can be successful as long as there’s
- a collaboration between you and your healthcare providers,
- adherence to medical recommendations, and
- proactive monitoring and intervention to address potential complications.
With the right care and support, you can achieve a successful outcome and welcome a healthy baby into the world. So, don’t fret. Just make sure you get the proper care with a perinatal specialist.
Here are some strategies and essential medical interventions for managing your high-risk pregnancy:
Regular Prenatal Care
It goes without saying that you should attend all scheduled prenatal appointments and follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations for monitoring and managing your pregnancy. Regular prenatal care allows for early detection and intervention for any potential complications.
Consult with a Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialist
Depending on your specific risk factors and medical history, your healthcare provider may refer you to a maternal-fetal medicine specialist, obstetricians, or other healthcare professionals with expertise in managing high-risk pregnancies.
If you don’t get a reference from your healthcare provider, you should easily find a maternal-fetal medicine specialist by searching for a “high-risk pregnancy center” or “high-risk ObGyn near me.”
Monitor Blood Pressure and Blood Sugar Levels
If you have conditions like hypertension or gestational diabetes, monitoring high blood pressure and blood sugar levels regularly is essential for reducing the risk of complications such as preeclampsia or macrosomia. So, don’t skip any appointments.
Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle
Eat a balanced diet rich in nutrients, exercise regularly (under the guidance of your healthcare provider), and avoid harmful substances such as tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drugs. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help reduce the risk of complications and promote your and your baby’s overall well-being.
Medication and Treatment
Depending on your medical conditions, your healthcare provider may prescribe medications or treatments to manage them and reduce the risk of complications. This may include medications to control blood pressure, insulin therapy for gestational diabetes, or anticoagulants to prevent blood clots.
Let’s now talk about the appointments you must not miss if your pregnancy is considered high risk.
High-Risk Pregnancy Appointments Timeline
Here’s a general timeline for appointments and medical assessments you should do from the moment you decide to get pregnant until the last trimester of your high-risk pregnancy:
Before Pregnancy:
- Preconception counseling: Discuss with your healthcare provider any pre-existing medical conditions, medications, or lifestyle factors that may affect your pregnancy high risk. Consider genetic counseling if you have a family history of genetic conditions.
- Optimize health: Address chronic health problems, maintain a healthy weight, and adopt healthy lifestyle habits, including diet, exercise, and smoking cessation.
First Trimester (Weeks 1-12):
- Confirmation of pregnancy: Schedule your first prenatal appointment to confirm pregnancy, discuss prenatal care, and address any initial concerns.
- Early prenatal screening: Complete blood tests, including blood type, Rh factor, complete blood count (CBC), and blood glucose levels. Some women may opt for first-trimester screening for chromosomal abnormalities.
- Dating ultrasound: Around 6-10 weeks, you’ll get your first ultrasound to confirm the gestational age and estimate the due date.
- Discuss risk factors: Review any potential pregnancy high risk with your healthcare provider, such as advanced maternal age or pre-existing medical conditions.
Second Trimester (Weeks 13-26):
- Anatomy ultrasound: Around 18-20 weeks, a detailed ultrasound is performed to assess fetal anatomy and detect structural abnormalities.
- Maternal serum marker tests: Between 15-20 weeks, you should do some blood tests to assess the risk of chromosomal abnormalities or neural tube defects.
- Glucose tolerance testing: Between 24-28 weeks, you’ll get screened for gestational diabetes.
- Blood pressure monitoring: Your doctor will regularly monitor your blood pressure at prenatal visits.
- Discuss birth plan: Begin discussions with your healthcare provider about your birth preferences and any special considerations for a high-risk pregnancy.
Third Trimester (Weeks 27-Birth):
- Fetal monitoring: Your doctor will perform nonstress tests (NSTs) and biophysical profiles (BPPs) to assess your baby’s well-being.
- Preterm labor assessment: Discuss signs and symptoms of preterm labor and the importance of seeking medical attention if they occur.
- Delivery planning: Develop a plan with your healthcare provider for labor and delivery, considering any special considerations or interventions needed for a high-risk pregnancy.
Throughout Pregnancy:
- Regular prenatal visits: Please attend all scheduled prenatal appointments.
- Emotional support: Seek support from healthcare providers, family, and friends to cope with the stress and anxiety that may accompany a high-risk pregnancy.
- Education and resources: Stay informed about your pregnancy and any specific conditions or complications, and make sure you ask questions to understand your care and treatment options.
Expert High-Risk Pregnancy Care with Stella Mattina
Expecting a high-risk pregnancy means you require specialized care and attention. At Stella Mattina, our experienced doctors dedicate themselves to providing comprehensive and compassionate care for high-risk pregnant women.
Don’t leave your health to chance – schedule a consultation with our high-risk pregnancy and maternal-fetal medicine specialists today and experience the difference of personalized care tailored to your unique needs.
If you’re looking for a high-risk pregnancy doctor in Dallas, contact us today.
Dr. Krum is currently in practice in Arlington, TX. He received his undergraduate degree at Texas A&M University, then attended UTMB Galveston for medical school, finishing in 1986, completing his residency there in 1990. Providing a full range of obstetrical and gynecological care, he specializes in the treatment of endometriosis and robotic surgery. He arranges his schedule so that same-day appointments are usually available.