High Risk Obstetrics Specialist

How can I tell if my pregnancy is high risk?

High-risk pregnancies are pregnancies in which the mother or baby or both have a higher chance of developing complications during pregnancy or delivery. Sometimes, preexisting health conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes make your pregnancy high-risk right form the start. Other women may develop problems during pregnancy that can put their health or their baby's health at risk. Having regular prenatal exams is the best way to “catch” issues that could make your pregnancy a high risk. Some of the most common causes of high-risk pregnancies include:

• smoking

• obesity

• gestational diabetes

• hypertension of pregnancy (preeclampsia)

• older age

• alcohol or drug use

• carrying multiple babies in a single pregnancy

• having multiple prior miscarriages

• issues with the placenta or uterus

• history of problems in prior pregnancies

• genetic disorders

How do the doctors of Plaza Towers care for women with high-risk pregnancies?

Women with high-risk pregnancies are monitored very closely during pregnancy and delivery and provided with any additional care or treatment they may need to help keep them and their babies healthy. That can include ultrasounds to evaluate the uterus, blood work, genetic testing and lifestyle counseling to help them adopt healthier behaviors like losing weight or quitting smoking. Other tests for the baby include fetal heart ultrasound, amniocentesis, placental sampling and umbilical Doppler ultrasound. Women with high-risk pregnancies will also need to see the doctor more frequently. When health issues exist before pregnancy, it's a good idea to have counseling and care prior to pregnancy to potentially help minimize risks.

Will I have to have a C-section?

Many women with high-risk pregnancies deliver vaginally with no issues. Your doctor will be able to assess your need for a C-section closer to your delivery time.