 If you have been told that your pregnancy is considered high risk, you undoubtedly have some concerns. However, approximately one-third of all women have a high risk condition or complication before, during or after delivery. Our perinatologists identify any problems early, avoid complications, and ensure that you and your baby have the best outcome possible. They use their expertise to provide personalized care and combine it with advanced monitoring technology and sophisticated treatments.
What makes a pregnancy high risk?
Maternal age is one common prenatal risk factor. Mothers who will be under age 17 at the time of delivery are considered as high risk as those having children after age 35.
In addition, a pregnancy may be considered high-risk for these reasons:
- A pre-existing medical condition
This includes women who have high blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid problems, asthma or any other chronic illness. All medications taken to treat these conditions should be reviewed to determine if they are safe to take during pregnancy. Also in this category are women with a family history of inherited disorders, a previous high risk pregnancy or gynecologic problems.
- Medical problems that arise during pregnancy
Sometimes, a healthy woman will develop a medical condition, such as high blood pressure or diabetes, during pregnancy. Most often, these problems resolve after the baby is born. However, they require careful monitoring and treatment during pregnancy to protect the fetus.
- Pregnancy-related issues
These are problems that arise due to the pregnancy itself, such as multiple birth, premature labor, or carrying a baby with a genetic defect. Also in this category are problems with the placenta, the organ that supplies the fetus with blood, oxygen and nutrients. If it covers the cervix, which leads to the birth canal, it can become dislodged during labor. This condition, called placenta previa, requires a cesarean birth.
Genetic Counseling
If you or your obstetrician suspect that you are at risk for having a baby with a birth defect, we encourage you to contact us to discuss genetic counseling and prenatal testing and diagnosis. Preconceptional counseling is also available with our reproductive geneticists and genetic counselors.
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