High Risk Pregnancy

What is a high-risk pregnancy?

A high-risk pregnancy is any pregnancy with an increased chance of health complications for the mother, her baby, or both due to the presence of specific risk factors. About 30,000-50,000 pregnant women in the United States have high-risk pregnancies.

A high-risk pregnancy simply means you might need extra prenatal visits or additional medical services before giving birth or during delivery to optimize health outcomes. With the right care, many women with high-risk pregnancies deliver healthy babies.

Which conditions can make a pregnancy high-risk?

High-risk pregnancies may consist of one or more of the following concerns:

• Pre-existing conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or autoimmune diseases
• Pregnancy-related health problems
• Tobacco use
• Substance use disorder
• Alcohol misuse
• Toxin exposure
• Fibroids
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Obesity
• Thyroid disease
• Depression
• Blood clotting disorders
• Gestational diabetes
• Preeclampsia 
• Having twins or triplets
• History of pregnancy complications
• Older gestational age
• Too little or too much amniotic fluid

The Bayard Street Obstetrics & Gynecology team determines if your pregnancy is classified as low- or high-risk. 

What are some symptoms indicating a high-risk pregnancy?

Contact the office if you develop symptoms of a condition placing you in the high-risk pregnancy category, such as:

• Chest pain
• Abdominal or pelvic pain
• Dizziness
• Changes fetal movement
• Extreme fatigue
• Heart palpitations
• Extreme vomiting or nausea
• Severe or ongoing headaches
• Trouble breathing
• Vaginal bleeding
• Blurred vision
• Flu-like symptoms 
• Thoughts about self-harm

Potential complications of some high-risk pregnancies include preterm birth, low birth weight, congenital disabilities, miscarriage, the need for intensive care unit (ICU) care after birth, and stillbirth. 

What should I expect during high-risk pregnancy care?

During high-risk prenatal care at Bayard Street Obstetrics & Gynecology, you will attend more frequent visits to ensure everything is running smoothly with your pregnancy. You might need additional diagnostic tests to screen for potential health problems. 

The Bayard Street Obstetrics & Gynecology team completes comprehensive physical exams and diagnostic testing during your appointments. This might include blood and urine testing, ultrasounds, and fetal heart monitoring to assess your and your baby’s health and well-being. 

How often should I schedule high-risk pregnancy visits?

Your provider determines how often to attend a high-risk prenatal visit based on your specific health needs. Contact the Bayard Street Obstetrics & Gynecology office anytime with questions, concerns, or if you develop unusual or alarming symptoms during your pregnancy.

Schedule a high-risk pregnancy evaluation at Bayard Street Obstetrics & Gynecology by calling the office or booking an appointment online today.