Understanding High Risk Pregnancies

A positive pregnancy test can be one of the most exciting things to see in a person’s life. For couples who have been trying to conceive for a long time, or those who are pleasantly surprised by how quickly they got pregnant, finding out you’re expecting is a joyful moment. However, many women feel completely overwhelmed when they find out that they are considered a “high-risk pregnancy.” While the anxiety is understandable, you do not need to assume that your pregnancy is destined for difficulty or loss. You will need to be prepared for some extra attention and precaution over the next nine months.

What Does “High Risk” Mean?

High-risk pregnancies are considered as pregnancies with a greater chance of complications. These factors can be as simple as a very petite woman carrying and delivering a large baby to more complicated congenital disabilities. Any complication that may compromise the health of the baby and/or mother qualifies a pregnancy as “high risk.”

Considerations That Qualify a High-Risk Pregnancy

Many women are surprised to learn that their pregnancy is considered high risk. That is because there is a wide range of factors that can determine whether a woman will be a high-risk pregnancy. Some of these factors can be controlled, while others cannot be.

Primary considerations for a high-risk pregnancy include those associated with your past or present pregnancy, such as:

Previous pregnancy complications
Vaginal birth after cesarean section (VBAC)
Multiple births (twins, triplets, etc.)
Breech vaginal birth

Medical conditions that are associated with high-risk pregnancies include:

Diabetes (both type 1 and type 2)
Hypertension
Depression
Blood disorders
Autoimmune disorders
Thyroid disease
Advanced maternal age (women older than 35)

Also, unhealthy lifestyle habits are considered risk factors that can cause congenital disabilities or complicate your pregnancy:

Drinking alcohol
Smoking
Illicit drug use
Multiple sex partners

At Marietta OB-GYN Affiliates, P.A., we provide complete obstetrical care, including high-risk obstetrics for the residents of Marietta and the surrounding areas. We are dedicated to providing the expert care you need to support you throughout your pregnancy. Our board-certified physicians have extensive experience managing high-risk patients, and we work closely with area Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialists to manage complex conditions.

For quality, high-risk O.B. services, call Marietta OB-GYN Affiliates, P.A.