Navigating High-Risk Pregnancy:
What It Means and How to Manage It

Navigating a high-risk pregnancy can be filled with uncertainties and questions. We’ve gathered answers to frequently asked questions to help you feel more informed and prepared. This section will cover what extra care you might need, who will be part of your care team, lifestyle changes you can make, risks to your baby, and delivery options. Understanding these aspects can help you manage your pregnancy confidently and safely.

What Does High-Risk Pregnancy Mean?

A high-risk pregnancy is one where the health of the mother, the unborn baby, or both is at greater risk for complications compared to a typical pregnancy. This increased risk can be due to a variety of factors, including pre-existing medical conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure, health problems that arise during pregnancy, such as gestational diabetes or preeclampsia, lifestyle factors like smoking or drug use, and complications from previous pregnancies. High-risk pregnancies require more intensive monitoring and care to ensure the best possible outcomes for both mother and baby, often involving specialized healthcare providers and more frequent prenatal visits.

What Extra Care Can I Expect?

Pregnant women with high-risk pregnancies will often require more frequent prenatal visits and monitoring. This might include regular checkups, where you can expect more visits to your healthcare provider to ensure everything is progressing as it should. Blood tests are often performed to monitor various health markers, and ultrasounds are used to check on the baby’s growth and development. In some cases, special monitoring, such as a biophysical profile or non-stress tests will be needed to assess the baby’s health more closely.

Who Will Be Part of My Care Team?

Your healthcare team for a high-risk pregnancy will likely be larger and more specialized. It may include a maternal-fetal medicine specialist, and a doctor who focuses on high-risk pregnancies and can provide the extra care and attention needed. Genetic counselors might be part of your team to discuss the risks of genetic conditions and help you understand the implications of any genetic testing. If your baby is born prematurely or with complications, a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) team will be essential in providing the specialized care needed.

What Are Some Lifestyle Changes I Can Make?

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is crucial when managing a high-risk pregnancy. Focus on a healthy diet rich in nutrients to support a healthy pregnancy and ensure both you and your baby get the necessary vitamins and minerals. Avoid harmful substances such as smoking, alcohol, and illegal drugs, as these can significantly impact your pregnancy. Regular exercise, as recommended by your healthcare provider, can help maintain your overall health and reduce stress. Managing stress through relaxation techniques and mindfulness practices is also important to keep your stress levels low and promote a healthy pregnancy.

What Are the Risks to My Baby?

High-risk pregnancies can increase the likelihood of several complications for the baby. Preterm birth, where babies are born before 37 weeks, often requires special care in a NICU. Low birth weight, defined as babies weighing less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces at birth, can pose health challenges. Birth defects, which are structural or functional anomalies that develop during pregnancy, can also be a concern. Additionally, fetal growth problems, where the unborn baby is not growing at the expected rate, need careful monitoring and management to ensure the baby’s health.

What Are My Delivery Options?

Depending on the specifics of your high-risk pregnancy, your healthcare provider might recommend different delivery options. A cesarean section (C-section) may be necessary if a vaginal delivery poses significant risks to you or your baby. In some cases, labor might need to be induced early if continuing the pregnancy is riskier than delivering the baby sooner. Your healthcare provider will discuss the safest delivery options for your specific situation to ensure the best possible outcome for both you and your baby.