High-risk Pregnancy

Overview

What is a high-risk pregnancy?

A high-risk pregnancy can occur when certain conditions affecting mom and baby make the pregnancy more complex. Sometimes the mother may have had a pre-existing condition before becoming pregnant, or a condition may have developed during pregnancy.

Symptoms

What makes you a high-risk pregnancy?

There are several factors that can put your pregnancy at increased risk.

Age: Getting pregnant before the age of 16 or over the age of 35 can increase the chance of miscarriage, birth defects, twins, high blood pressure, gestational diabetes or difficult labor.

Lifestyle: Certain personal choices you make during your pregnancy can increase your risk, like consuming alcohol, smoking cigarettes or using illegal drugs.

Pre-existing medical condition: If you have certain health conditions before your pregnancy, that can increase risk during pregnancy. This includes high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity.

Pregnancy complications: Many conditions can complicate pregnancy and require additional care, including anemia, gestational diabetes and bleeding caused by placenta placement.

Multiple pregnancy: A multiple pregnancy happens when you are pregnant with more than one baby. A multiple pregnancy has higher risks for complications, like preterm labor and birth, anemia or miscarriage.

What are high-risk pregnancy signs and symptoms?

Some women with high-risk pregnancies may not have any symptoms beyond typical pregnancy changes and may just require additional monitoring until they deliver. Others may experience symptoms related to their specific risk that require closer attention.

Risk Factors

What are high-risk pregnancy conditions?

High-risk maternity care involves treating a variety of conditions. Our maternal-fetal medicine providers treat:

• Complex maternal and/or fetal presentations
• Diabetes
• Fetal anomalies
• Geriatric pregnancy
• Growth restrictions
• History of a complicated pregnancy
• History of thromboembolism
• Hypertension
• Isoimmunization
• Medication exposure
• Maternal Congenital Heart Disease
• Multiple gestation
• Recurrent pregnancy loss
• Seizure Disorder
• Substance Use Disorder
• Thrombocytopenia
• Thyroid diseas

What age is considered a high-risk pregnancy?

Women who are younger than 16 and older than 35 are at an increased risk for pregnancy complications. While the risk is higher, many women outside this age range still have healthy pregnancies and deliveries.

Can stress cause a high-risk pregnancy?

All pregnant women will likely experience some stress during their pregnancy. A small amount of stress is normal and will not harm your baby. If stress becomes overwhelming, it could put your pregnancy at higher risk. Your OB/GYN can discuss your stress level with you and help you take steps to protect you and your baby.

Prevention

How to Prevent High-Risk Pregnancy

Not all high-risk pregnancies can be prevented. But there are steps you can take when planning to become pregnant that can lower your risk. These include:

• Stop smoking. If you're a smoker, stop smoking now. Studies have shown that babies born to people who smoke tend to be born prematurely and to be lower in birth weight. They are also more likely to die of sudden infant death syndrome. Plus, people exposed to secondhand smoke are more likely to have low-birth-weight babies. There may also be dangers from thirdhand smoke. These are the chemicals, particles, and gases of tobacco that are left on hair, clothing, and furnishings.
• Eat a healthy diet. Eating a balanced diet before and during pregnancy isn't only good for your overall health, but it's vital for nourishing your baby.
• Stay at a healthy weight and exercise. It's important to exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight before and during pregnancy. People who are overweight may have health problems, like high blood pressure and diabetes. People who are underweight may have babies with low birth weight.
• Manage pre-existing conditions. Before getting pregnant, take control of any current or pre-existing health problems, like diabetes or high blood pressure.
• Prevent birth defects: Make sure to take 400 micrograms (0.4 mg) of folic acid each day to reduce the risk of brain and spinal cord defects (neural tube defects). Most prenatal vitamins already include the recommended amount of folic acid for pregnancy.
• Avoid alcohol and drugs during pregnancy: Let your provider know about any medications you're taking, including prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs. These substances may harm the developing fetus.

Diagnosis

How is a high-risk pregnancy diagnosed?

Your OB/GYN will review your age and medical history early in your pregnancy to determine any risk factors or conditions that may cause increased risk. Some conditions, like gestational diabetes, may be identified later in your pregnancy through routine prenatal care visits.

How is a high-risk pregnancy monitored?

The maternal-fetal medicine providers will work closely with your OB/GYN to ensure your unique needs are met throughout your high-risk pregnancy. Some women may still meet primarily with their OB/GYN if their pregnancy is less complex, and some women may need more appointments with our specialized maternal-fetal medicine team. Depending on your condition or risk factors, your care team may monitor your blood pressure, blood sugar or fetal heart rate more closely.

How many ultrasounds are given during a high-risk pregnancy?

During an average-risk pregnancy, ultrasounds are typically done three times, in your first, second and third trimesters. Depending on what is causing your pregnancy to be high-risk, your provider might recommend more maternal-fetal ultrasounds to be sure your baby is developing well.

Treatment

How is a high-risk pregnancy treated?

Because of the wide variety of conditions and risk factors that can lead to a high-risk pregnancy, your treatment will depend on your specific situation. Our maternal-fetal medicine providers are highly specialized and prepared to treat and support you through every stage of your pregnancy.

How to Deal with a High-Risk Pregnancy

Facing a high-risk pregnancy can feel overwhelming and cause increased anxiety during an already stressful time. But the specialists at OSF HealthCare are dedicated to you and your developing baby throughout your high-risk pregnancy. We’re here to support you in mind, body and spirit as you prepare for your little one’s arrival.