What Constitutes a High-Risk Pregnancy?

While pregnancy can be one of the happiest and most exciting times of your life, it's important to remember that all pregnancies come with risks for you and your unborn baby. For example, carrying twins, triplets, or more, can put you in the high-risk category. Being classified as high-risk doesn't mean something will go wrong. It just means you need to be monitored more closely.

If you think you're pregnant, the first step is to take a home test. If it’s positive, make an appointment with one of our board-certified OB/GYNs at New England Women’s Healthcare in Woburn, Massachusetts. Our team will be with you every step of the way, from conception through the birth of your baby.

Causes

There are a number of reasons why your doctor may classify your pregnancy as high risk from the start. They include:

• You had an emergency Cesarean section with your previous baby
• You've had multiple miscarriages
• You’re carrying more than one baby
• Your age (there's a higher risk with mothers age 35 and older)
• You have a medical condition, such as diabetes, cancer, thyroid problems, kidney problems, or HIV or AIDS

Furthermore, your doctor may classify your situation has high risk at some point during your pregnancy. Even if you're healthy and fit, you could develop a health condition that would require extra visits to our office for testing and monitoring. Problems could include:

• Gestational diabetes, which is high blood sugar
• Preeclampsia, which is high blood pressure
• Labor before 37 weeks
• Fetal development issues, such as heart defects or genetic conditions
• Placenta previa, which is where the placenta covers the cervix, making it hard to give birth vaginally

Smoking, drinking alcohol, or using illicit drugs could also put your growing baby in danger. 

How we treat high-risk pregnancies

Once we determine you have a high-risk pregnancy, we'll set up a schedule for you. You'll need to come to the office more often so we can run tests, such as blood work, urinalysis, and ultrasound. If needed, we’ll take specialized testing, such as. 

• Amniocentesis, in which we remove a sample of amniotic fluid
• Cordocentesis, in which we take a blood sample from the umbilical cord
• Chorionic villus sampling, in which we remove cells from the placenta

These procedures can help us determine whether the baby has any genetic conditions or infections.

Considerations

We understand this can be an emotional and stressful time for you, but you don't have to go it alone. When you feel sad, stressed, or overwhelmed, reach out to your family and friends. Or, find a support group online where you can chat with women who've been where you are. Finally, let us know if there's anything we can do to help you.

If you recently found out you're pregnant, it's essential to get to the doctor as soon as possible.  Our caring and experienced obstetricians at New England Women’s Healthcare will do everything possible to ensure the health of you and your baby. To learn more, book an appointment online or over the phone today.