A high-risk pregnancy means you have additional care needs since there is a higher chance for a health problem or early delivery. You will know if your doctor diagnoses you based on prenatal screenings, tests and/or family history of genetic disorders. They may recommend more advanced testing for your situation as needed. That's why every prenatal appointment is important to attend for the best outcome possible for you and your baby’s health.
Factors such as your age, current health conditions and if you are having multiple babies (twins, triplets, quadruplets) will also indicate your diagnosis.
Neonatologists treat babies born too early or with congenital disorders, diseases and other health conditions. Premature babies (born before 37 weeks) need special care and attention because they are not physically or developmentally prepared to live outside the mother’s womb like babies born full term.
Healthy women without diabetes may get gestational diabetes, which causes high blood sugar during pregnancy. Women with any kind of diabetes will have increased insulin resistance during pregnancy, which makes managing blood sugars more difficult. Women at risk for gestational diabetes are often overweight or obese, have a family history of type 2 diabetes or are older than 25.
If you experience preexisting or gestational diabetes, your care team can work with you during pregnancy and after delivery to provide education, diabetes management tools and any support you need.
Preeclampsia happens when blood pressure in a pregnant woman rises to a life-threatening level. It tends to show up in the second or third trimester with symptoms such as high blood pressure, headaches, blurry vision and abdominal pain. OB providers regularly screen for this condition, and they can recommend medications and/or bed rest to help.
A perinatologist can help determine the best time to deliver early for the health of the mother and for the baby’s optimal development. For extreme cases, women may require hospitalization or even premature delivery. If this happens, immediate intervention is needed.
