Pregnancy is a dramatic transformation — and for some women, that transformation necessitates a little extra care. Up to 8% of expecting mothers have high-risk pregnancies, which means they have complications that could threaten their health, their baby’s, or both.
The good news is that proactive prenatal care helps you achieve your healthiest possible pregnancy. Farly Sejour, MD, Natalie Gould, WHNP-BC, and our team at Solace Women's Care specialize in high-risk obstetrics in Conroe, Texas, and we’re here to answer your questions.
If you have a high-risk pregnancy, here’s how your prenatal care plan may differ.
A number of different factors can contribute to a pregnancy being categorized as high-risk, and it's essential to identify these factors early so you can get the prenatal care you need.
Some of the most common reasons for high-risk pregnancy include:
Your age could put pregnancy at a higher risk. Women who get pregnant over age 35 may face an increased risk of complications like gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and chromosomal abnormalities.
Being pregnant with twins, triplets, or more can also make your pregnancy high-risk. Having multiple fetuses increases the likelihood of preterm birth and other complications.
Chronic health conditions like diabetes, hypertension, or autoimmune disorders can affect your pregnancy, too. You may be considered high-risk because these conditions can impact both your own health and your baby’s.
If you’ve experienced complications like preterm birth, preeclampsia, or stillbirth in a previous pregnancy, you may be at higher risk of developing the same complications again.
Expectant mothers with high-risk pregnancies require specialized prenatal care. Here are some key aspects of prenatal care that differ for high-risk pregnancies:
Because every high-risk pregnancy is unique, we tailor your care plan to meet your individual needs. We consider your specific risk factors and develop a plan that may include noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT), dietary adjustments, medications, and activity restrictions.
Routine prenatal care is important in every pregnancy, but women with high-risk pregnancies need more frequent prenatal visits. These appointments often involve additional tests to monitor your baby's growth and assess your health.
Sometimes, high-risk pregnancies require hospital-based care — especially if your risk of preterm birth or other complications is particularly high. This can involve extended hospital stays or inpatient monitoring.
In the event that your baby arrives prematurely, we work with you on a neonatal care plan to make sure your little one receives the best possible care.
Pregnancy is physically and emotionally demanding, and experiencing a high-risk pregnancy can bring even more challenges. Our team is here to support you, answer your questions, and help you find ways to relieve stress and anxiety.
High-risk pregnancies are complex, but proper prenatal care and the support of experienced health care providers can help you reach your best possible health.
Learn more about high-risk obstetrics care with a consultation at Solace Women’s Care. Call us at 936-441-7100 or send our team a message online today.
