What Are High-Risk Pregnancies?

  • October 1, 2015
  • New Life Obstetrics and Gynecology

Many women have heard of high-risk pregnancies, but what are they and what causes them? There are a number of factors that play into high-risk pregnancies.

What are High Risk Pregnancies?

What Are High-Risk Pregnancies? A woman’s pregnancy is deemed high-risk if your baby has a higher risk of having some type of health problem. This may sound scary, but doctors need to make sure that you and your baby are well taken care of, they only want the best for the both of you. Your doctor will watch your pregnancy more closely and may send you to a special doctor to handle the situation better.

In general there are many things that could make your pregnancy a high-risk one. Things like preterm labor, preeclampsia, and problems with the placenta can all factor into a high-risk pregnancy. There are other factors and conditions as well, such as:

  • Diabetes
  • Cancer
  • High Blood Pressure
  • Epilepsy
  • Kidney Disease
  • Smoking, drinking alcohol, or illegal drugs
  • Younger than 17 or older than 35
  • Multiples pregnancy
  • If you have had multiple miscarriages
  • Your baby has a genetic condition
  • If you have an infection or HIV or any other sexually transmitted diseases
  • Certain medicines taken by you can make the pregnancy high-risk
  • Heart valve condition
  • Sickle Cell Disease
  • Asthma
  • Lupus
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis

If your pregnancy is determined to be high-risk you can expect to have more frequent visits to your doctor so they can keep a closer watch over your pregnancy. You will have more tests in general and more ultrasounds to make sure all is well with the baby. If you are over the age of 35 or have had previous genetic problems with your last pregnancy, tests for genetic problems will be done. Your doctor will prescribe you any medicines you may need for conditions that you may have.

The friendly staff of nurses and doctors we have here at New Life Wellness Center in Brooklyn, NY, has much experience with high-risk pregnancies and we can help you along your journey. Come and visit us and we will take good care of you and your baby.