What is a high-risk pregnancy?

Many different conditions can make a pregnancy high risk. The term means that there are one or more things that raise a mother’s or a baby’s risk of pregnancy complications.

• Preexisting health conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid disease, kidney disease or depression.
• Age, including being under age 17 or being age 35 or over.
• Being overweight or underweight before pregnancy.
• Being pregnant with multiples like twins or triplets.

It can also include problems that occurred during a previous pregnancy, including preterm labor or preeclampsia.

What can women do to prevent a high-risk pregnancy?

At a preconception planning appointment, women learn about getting and staying healthy during pregnancy. Some conditions that are high-risk can be prevented with lifestyle choices, but others cannot. However, it is important for all women to try to adopt healthy behaviors before and during their pregnancy.

• Attempt to get to and maintain a healthy weight.
• Stop smoking and avoid alcohol.
• Eat a healthy, balanced diet with veggies, fruit, lean protein, whole grains and dairy.
• Try to manage stress.
• Avoid dangerous chemicals at work and in the home.

Extra monitoring and individualized treatment keep mothers and babies safe

Mothers who have a high-risk pregnancy need to see our physicians more often. Our obstetricians monitor mothers and babies for signs of problems. Treatment depends on the issue that the mother has during pregnancy. Some women simply need to be monitored more often, but others may need special tests.

• Targeted or specialized ultrasounds
• Genetic screening like amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling, or CVS
• Lab tests

When to call the doctor about pregnancy complications

The physicians at Athens ObGyn tell women what to watch for related to their specific condition. In addition, patients should call their physician if they experience any of the following.

• Severe, painful headaches
• Lower abdominal pain or cramps
• Vaginal bleeding
• Watery vaginal discharge
• A decrease in fetal movement
• Blurred vision or other vision changes
• Sudden, severe swelling in the fingers, hands or face
• Persistent vomiting, nausea or dizziness

The physicians at Athens ObGyn have the experience and skills to manage women’s high-risk pregnancies. A healthy mother and baby are our first priorities. Contact us for an appointment.